Synod vote 'shocks' New Zealand female bishop

The ordination of women bishops in the Church of England was narrowly rejected by its ruling general synod on Tuesday.

New Zealand is among several countries which allows female bishops.

The Bishop of Christchurch, the Right Reverend Victoria Matthews blamed 'a traditionalist isolated group' that was 'distant' from the rest of the church.

Campaigners say the move has plunged the church into its biggest crisis for decades.