THE Church of England Synod last week voted not to allow women bishops, but many clergy in?West?Devon were in favour of the change.

In an open letter to the national 'Independent' newspaper more than 1,000 Anglican clergy voiced their support for the ordination of women as bishops.  

Among them were many signatories from West Devon and the Diocese of Exeter including, the Rev Stephen Cook, Preb Nick Shutt, the Rev Michael Brierley, the Rev Tim Treanor, the Rev Lynne Burgon, the Rev Dr Ruth Hansford and the Rev Carolyn Brodbribb.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Rev Rowan Williams, and his successor-designate the Rt Rev Justin Welby, advocated backing for women bishops.

But despite 94% of bishops voting in support of the measure, as did 77% of the House of Clergy and 64% of the Laity, under church rules it fell short of having enough votes to succeed.

Stephen Cook, the team Rector of Okehampton's Northmoor Team, told the Times: 'The huge majority of people in the Church of England are in favour of women being ordained as bishops. 

'We have been through an extensive period of consultation and debate and this was the overwhelming response.  A small number of people who mananged to get themselves elected onto General Synod have frustrated the will of the majority and they should be ashamed of themselves. 

'I feel desperately sad for the many excellent women priests who may have no aspiration to be a bishop but now find that they are confirmed as some kind of second class minister. 

'I intend to use every opportunity open to me to hasten the day when this outrageous decision is reversed and I know there are many who feel the same. Last Tuesday was a shameful day for the Church of England and I think everyone in the Synod knew that in their hearts.'

Another 'for' is the Rev John Davies, the pioneer minister in the Okehampton Deanery.?He admitted there was confusion in the Church of England to a way forward but the principle of women bishops was already accepted by most Anglicans.

He said: 'The real issue is how to handle the minority of people who are against it, as a way must be found to find provision for them.'

'The bishops, the leaders of the church are for it, as are the majority of the clergy; it was just the laity where there was not a two thirds majority.'

Mr Davies hoped that a way forward could be found, preferably through the church itself or an outside mediator.

'There is a will for women bishops, it will happen but in the church it is always a slow process for change as there is a legislative and constitutional framework that must be adhered to. Hopefully, something will be sorted out before 2015.'

One of those who is not yet persuaded that the time is right for women bishops but is hoping a solution can be found to avoid any split in the church is the Rev Graham Hamilton, vicar of St Peter, Paul and Thomas at Bovey Tracey.

He said it was not the principle of women bishops that many members of the General Synod had voted against but that they felt there was not sufficient space within the church for those against it.

He said: 'Many in the church feel that it is not in accordance with the Bible's teachings and I am not persuaded, that allowing women bishops at this time, is the right action to take.

'I could be wrong and if women bishops are ordained in the future I will accept it. However, I think it would be a terrible mistake that people find themselves squeezed out of the church because of their genuine beliefs.

'We must find a way of learning to love and live with one another and find a common ground.'