The formal enactment of the legislation - Amending Canon 33 - followed the vote on final approval by the Synod at its meeting in July of this year. Since that time the legislation has been approved in Parliament and received Royal Assent.
The final legislative requirements took place during a session chaired by the Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu, on the first day of the Synod's meeting in London.
With the Instrument of Enactment having been read to Synod the motion was put without debate, with only a simple majority required for approval. Following the item being passed the legislation was signed into law by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York before the whole Synod.
Following the vote Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said:
"Today we can begin to embrace a new way of being the church and moving forward together. We will also continue to seek the flourishing in the church of those who disagree."
ENDS
Notes:
The text of the amending canon and instrument of enactment can be seen here:
https://www.churchofengland.org/media/2101062/gs%201926d%20-%20amending%20canon%20no.33.pdf
The following dioceses are currently vacant and are waiting to appoint a diocesan bishop:
- Southwell & Nottingham
- Gloucester
- Oxford
- Newcastle
The Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich were the last diocese to select a Bishop under the former rules.
The following suffragan (assistant) bishop posts are currently Vacant and are awaiting appointment:
- Dunwich
- Hertford
- Hull
- Plymouth
- Stockport
Any of the above vacant posts may now be filled by a male or female priest.