Archbishop Rowan Williams acknowledges women bishops 'damage'

The Archbishop of Canterbury has acknowledged how the rejection of women bishops has damaged the Church, in his final Christmas Day sermon.

The Most Reverend Rowan Williams said the aftermath of last month's General Synod vote had been "deeply painful".

His replacement in the Church of England's top role will be the Bishop of Durham, the Rt Rev Justin Welby, who will take over in the spring.