Updated

The Church of England's representative in the House of Commons says that another vote on the issue of women bishops should happen as soon as possible.

Tony Baldry, a member of Parliament who speaks for the church, said Thursday the issue could not be "parked for the next couple of years."

Church officials have said it could take five years to lay the ground for another vote after legislation to permit women to become bishops was blocked in the church's governing General Synod on Tuesday.

Baldry said, "It is perfectly possible for a different and amended measure to be considered by General Synod."

Some legislators have suggested stripping the church of its exemption from the law banning discriminating on the basis of gender.