The Bishop of Dover had to be comforted by other church leaders when he broke down in tears at the end of an emotional debate at the General Synod in York.

The Rt Rev Stephen Venner was seen to be in distress at the end of a six-hour debate on Monday in which the Church of England voted to press ahead with the introduction of women bishops.

He said he was ashamed of the Church for ignoring the deeply felt wishes of traditionalists who are opposed to the move.

Afterwards, Bishop Venner, who is in favour of the ordination of women bishops, was reported as saying: "For the first time in my life I am ashamed.

"We have talked for hours about wanting to give an honourable place for those who want to disagree and we have turned down almost every realistic opportunity for those who are opposed to flourish."

Bishop Venner, who acts as diocesan chief in Kent on behalf of Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, said speakers had called the Church of England a broad and diverse Church.

But he asked: "Where is the Church of England about which we have spoken today? Is this the Church of England at its best? I have to say I doubt it."

~ For more on this story see eastkentmercury.co.uk or kentishgazette.co.uk >>>