THE Bishop of Durham has said he hopes the Church of England will introduce women bishops this year.

The Right Reverend Paul Butler made the comments as he celebrated 20 years since the Church allowed women to become priests.

He said: “The mission of God should be delivered by men and women, not one or the other.

“I pray and hope that this year will see women allowed to be bishops.

“Having women as priests over the past 20 years has strengthened the mission of the church.”

Rev Lyn Jamieson, chaplain at the MetroCentre in Gateshead, was one of the 38 women ordained as priests in the first year, 1994.

She said: “One of the highlights was being ordained in Durham Cathedral after many years of struggle.

“But there were sad times as well because there were a number of people who were totally against us.

“Some people would not let us into their churches to take services because they were so opposed to us.”

An exhibition marking the first 20 years of women priests is being held across the Durham diocese.

It is at Stockton Parish Church now and until Monday (June 23); Sunderland Minster from June 23 to July 7; St Cuthbert’s Church, Darlington, from July 10 to 18; and Durham Cathedral from July 19 to 25, where there will be a celebration service on Saturday, July 19, at 2.30pm.