The Church of England’s decision to allow women to become bishops has been welcomed by female clergy in Sittingbourne.

Its General Synod approved the move on Monday after members voted in favour of breaking with its 2,000-year-old male-only tradition.

Prime Minister David Cameron called it a “great day for the Church and for equality”, while Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said he was “delighted” with the outcome.

The Rev Lesley Jones, 48, assistant curate at four parishes in Sittingbourne, said she looked for divine intervention before the result was announced.

She said: “Just before they took the vote the Archbishop of York asked for two minutes’ silence to reflect, and I started praying in my house.

“I know lots of friends around the world did the same in the hope the General Synod would agree that women can hold leadership in churches as bishops.”

Mrs Jones was ordained as a priest two years ago.

She said women have the opportunity to “bring something different” to the priesthood, and added: “We are all equal in the eyes of God.”

Monday’s motion will go before Parliament’s ecclesiastical committee, with the Synod due to meet on November 17 to formally declare that women can be bishops.

The first female could potentially be appointed by the end of the year.

Women bishops are already installed in other parts of the world, including the US, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Those opposed to the UK following suit included members of the General Synod concerned about the potential impact the result could have on relations with the Catholic Church.

The Rev Jacky Davis, parish priest for Upchurch and Lower Halstow, said the moment had arrived for women to take their place in the priesthood.

She said: “The time is right. I think it’s right we’ve gone through so many different consultations to come to the right format.

“There will be those who oppose the decision and we’ll have to respect that.

“I would never want to see any vote pushed through as we should listen to the other voice, the other opinion.”