The Church of England voted in favor of allowing women bishops for the first time in its history.

Breaking almost two millennia of tradition, the Church of England's General Synod ruled to approve the legislation allowing the ordination of female bishops requiring two-thirds majority vote from the Houses of Bishops, Clergy and Laity.

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In 2012, an initial attempt to have the legislation approve passed the bishops and the clergy but was impeded by traditionalist lay members.

Led by Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, the Church of England rejoices as history is made.

"Today is the completion of what was begun over 20 years with the ordination of women as priests. I am delighted with today's result," he said in a statement.

On Monday, members of the three houses cast their votes in York City resulting in 152 votes who are in favor, 45 who are against and five abstentions from the House of Laity. There were also 37votes in favor, two against and one abstention from the bishops, while members of the clergy voted 162 in favor, 25 against and four abstentions.

The Church of England became independent from the Roman Catholic Church during the 16th century and garnered the largest Christian percentage in Britain and is present in over 160 countries all over the world.

In 1994, the Church of England ordained its first-female priest. The result of the vote means that a woman may become a suffragan or assistant bishop early next year with first openings in Gloucester on January next year followed by Oxford and Newcastle.

TagsChurch of England, female priest, female bishop