Women bishops - a focus of unity?

The credibility of Christian witness depends on the unity of Christians. Christian unity was a fundamental concern of both the Apostle Paul and to Jesus, e.g. John 17:23 "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."

Whilst fulfilling other important roles in the Church of England, the Bishop is significantly a focus of unity, and where this works well, even for Christians beyond the C of E. Christians are clearly split down the middle on the issue of women bishops, with many denominations set implacably against it. Since this is not a 'first order' issue of fundamental theological importance, whatever the arguments in favour (and I am quite happy to admit that there are good arguments), the detrimental impact on Christian unity and witness is to my mind a decisive argument against what would be a highly schismatic move.