The Church of England is considering setting up an ombudsman to rule on disputes arising from the issue of women bishops.
If approved by the General Synod next month, the "independent reviewer" would investigate and rule on rows among Anglicans. Clergy who refuse to co-operate with its investigations would face disciplinary procedures.
Deep divisions have opened up within the Church of England over the proposed introduction of female bishops, which was blocked last year, despite most of the synod backing the move.
Changes can only be made to canon law with a two thirds majority in all three synod houses. In November 2012, both the houses of bishops and of clergy voted for the legislation, but it was rejected by only a few votes in the House of Laity.
Traditionalists still insist there are not enough protections for clergy who do not want to serve under women bishops; progressives are refusing to make further concessions, which they believe would water down the plans.
It is hoped that an ombudsman, who would be appointed by archbishops, could help bridge these divisions.
According to the plans, the scheme would be similar to the health service ombudsman and other Whitehall bodies.
The independent reviewer would not be able to impose penalties but could publish reports critical of priests' actions.
In plans included in this year's General Synod agenda, the steering committee for the legislation to create women bishops said the ombudsman could help bring "closure" to the conflict.
It wrote: "The success measure of such a scheme is not ultimately the number of cases it handles but the impact it has in acting as an incentive to all concerned to resolve disagreements by discussion between themselves."
The reviewer would be required to have a "knowledge of, and commitment to, the Church of England", but would not have diocesan responsibilities.
William Fittall, secretary general of the synod, said the ombudsman plans represented the "beginning of a new and hopeful phase".
According to the Church Times, he said: "This is an approach based on principle rather than rules, grace rather than law … This is the first time since the discussion of women bishops started in 2000 that a complete package has been agreed by people with such a wide range of views."
The General Synod will meet in London from 18 to 20 November.
