The report on the Synod's proceedings published in the January 2013 issue of this Journal reported the defeat – by a narrow majority – at the November 2012 group of sessions of the motion for the final approval of the draft measure intended to allow the consecration of women to the episcopate. As is well known, the Synod's decision was received with shock and dismay by many – both inside and outside the Church of England. But a response came quickly. In December the House of Bishops committed itself to bringing the elements of a new legislative package to the Synod in July 2013 and to that end established a working group, drawn from all three Houses.