John Sentamu: Women bishops decision 'disappointing The Church of England's general synod has voted against allowing women to become bishops, and it will be many years before it can even be discussed again. It's been suggested that Westminster should step in, with parliament effectively forcing the church to change its rules on the basis that they are discriminatory. Speaking to the Today programme, the Archbishop of York John Sentamu said the decision was "very disappointing." I believe what was rejected yesterday was not women bishops. What was rejected was the legislation, some people felt it was not good enough," he added.