A majority of dioceses in the Anglican Church of South America could soon have women priests.

This change comes after new Canons which included an allowance for a "local option" regarding ordaining women to the priesthood were approved by all but one of the dioceses.

Following last year's Provincial meeting all dioceses were invited to approve or reject the new Canons by December, 2014.

A spokesperson for the Province told ACNS that "Six [Paraguay, Uruguay, North Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia] out of the seven dioceses voted in favour of the new Canons. Argentina voted against it.

"What is now needed for the local option Canon to become effective in a given diocese is that the diocese has to have a secret ballot, divided by House, with a 2/3 majority in each House. On gaining this level of approval, said diocese can then proceed with the ordination of women to the priesthood."