There was six hours of heated debate; there were even some tears.
But late last night - too late for all but the final editions of some papers - the Church of England's General Synod voted to allow women bishops, without any of the compromises demanded by traditionalists.
The conservative Bishop of Dover, the Right Rev Stephen Venner, wept after making his speech, the Times and Guardian reported, in which he declared himself "ashamed" at the church's actions:
We have talked about wanting to give an honourable place for those who disagree, and we have turned down almost every realistic opportunity. We have not even been prepared to explore the possibility of fresh expressions of dioceses or bishops. And still we talk the talk of being inclusive.
The vote by the 468 Synod members approved a code of practice intended to reassure those opposed to the idea.
However, it failed to include some traditionalists' demands, for example the idea of male "superbishops" to oversee parishes opposed to women bishops. This was seen by modernisers as further institutionalising discrimination, and creating a two-tier church.
Extra points to the Times's Ruth Gledhill for keeping up a marathon live blog throughout the debate, enthusiastically embraced by her own flock - every second person commenting seemed to be a priest or canon, or even a retired archdeacon.
Many were against the change. Apparently new technology is easier to embrace than gender equality.
This is an extended extract from The Wrap, guardian.co.uk's daily round up of the news.
