For the first time, the Church of England will allow women to be consecrated as bishops.

On Monday, leaders at the General Synod of the Church of England voted to approve female bishops, CNN reported. The head of the Church of England, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, released a statement saying that he was "delighted" with the vote.

"Today marks the start of a great adventure of seeking mutual flourishing while still, in some cases disagreeing," he said in a statement.

"The challenge for us will be for the church to model good disagreement and to continue to demonstrate love for those who disagree on theological grounds. Very few institutions achieve this, but if we manage this, we will be living [out] more fully the call of Jesus Christ to love one another."

The church first ordained female priests in 1994, but legislation to allow female bishops was blocked by six votes in 2012.

"Today is the completion of what was begun over 20 years with the ordination of women as priests. I am delighted with today's result," Welby said in the statement.

The historic vote took place in York. To pass, the legislation needed a two-thirds majority by the synod's three governing bodies: the House of Bishops, House of Clergy and House of Laity, USA Today reported.

Welby says the first female bishops could be appointed as early as next year.

Lorna Ashworth, a lay member of the General Synod who voted against the measure, suggested that there was "not going to be a smooth road ahead" for the church but added that "we will do what we can to make it work" in a BBC interview.

On the other hand, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg praised the vote, tweeting, "Well done to @JustinWelby for his leadership on securing a yes vote for women bishops."

Likewise, Archbishop of York John Sentamu said, "This is a momentous day. Generations of women have served the Lord faithfully in the Church of England for centuries. It is a moment of joy today," according to the church's statement.