I support the Church of England General Synod's decision to approve legislation enabling the introduction of female bishops as early as next year (Echo, Nov 17).

It indicates that the Anglican church is finally moving into the 21st Century and, hopefully, this will form part of a more tolerant and enlightened approach to necessary change and reform.

I do note that the Reverend Peter Mullen was deafening in his silence on the subject in his weekly column preferring to bang the drum for Ukip's immigration policies. No doubt he would dismiss the move as yet another example of political correctness.

John Crick, Bishop Auckland.