THE first woman to be archdeacon of Canterbury has predicted that one day the Church of England will allow women to become bishops. The Venerable Sheila Watson has been named as one of the Women of the Year 2007.

One of the duties she performs on behalf of the Archbishop is to install diocesan bishops, although the Church will not allow her to be made bishop herself.

"People have found it a powerful symbol that there is a woman installing a man to an office that women are still not permitted to hold," said the 54-year-old, who lives in the Cathedral Precincts with her husband Derek, a former dean of Salisbury. "I think there will be women bishops in the Church of England one day. Who knows when that will be? It could be in five years’ time, it could be longer."

Archdeacon Watson will attend this year’s Women of the Year lunch in Park Lane, London, on Monday. The event, first held more than 50 years ago, brings together outstanding women of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life to recognise their individual achievements.

It is organised by the Women of the Year Foundation, which offers women financial and practical support to help them fulfill their ambitions.

The archdeacon was installed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, in April. She is the first woman to be a senior member of the Archbishop’s staff and for four months of the year she becomes vice-dean, responsible for all aspects of Cathedral life.

The archdeacon’s office dates back to 798, and past archdeacons include Thomas Becket, who held the post in 1154.