Ordination of women

Pope Francis has decided to give women the right to vote at an upcoming meeting of bishops, an historic reform that reflects his hopes to give women greater decision-making responsibilities and laypeople more say in the life of the Catholic Church.

The Church of England appointed its first ever female bishop on Dec. 17, overturning centuries of tradition in a Church that has been deeply divided over the issue.
   
It named Reverend Libby Lane as the new Bishop of Stockport in northern England.