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The Church of England has voted to allow women to enter its top ranks as bishops. The Church's national assembly, known as the General Synod, approved the historic measure at its meeting Monday by a vote of 351 in favor, 72 opposed and 10 abstained. The measure had the support of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Prime Minister David Cameron.

The vote comes two years after similar legislation failed to reach a two-thirds majority among the General Synod's lay members, despite approval from bishops and clergy. Earlier Monday, Welby told the BBC that he hoped the vote would go through, saying "the votes, I think, are there." The Church of England is part of the Anglican Communion, which has the largest Christian denomination in Britain and a presence in more than 160 countries.

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Brilliant news this morning! Church of England General Synod approves female bishops. Happy for our friends in the CoE. — Sarah Bessey (@sarahbessey) July 14, 2014

If the Church of England votes yes for female bishops I wonder how long ISIS can resist the pressure for female caliphs. — Karl Sharro (@KarlreMarks) July 14, 2014

Will she be Church of England's first female bishop? AP says #synod approved female bishops. http://t.co/z9KWVWhOAJ pic.twitter.com/vpYPPpwHXW — Cathy Lynn Grossman (@CLGrossman) July 14, 2014

— The Associated Press