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Justin Welby says he would be "delighted" to see a female Archbishop of Canterbury in his lifetime
The Church of England will decide later whether to allow women into its top ranks as bishops.
Its ruling General Synod is preparing for a crucial vote on the issue - after an attempt was blocked in 2012.
It was passed by the Houses of Bishops and Clergy but was six lay members' votes short in the House of Laity.
But Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has said he is "hopeful" that this time around the Synod will give the legislation its approval.
He told the BBC's Andrew Marr programme on Sunday there was a "good chance" the first woman bishop would be announced by the end of 2015.
He added that to the general public, the exclusion of women was "incomprehensible".
End Quote Rev Jody StowellThere is a real possibility that the vote will once again be a 'No'. If this is the case, it is fair to say that the response from those in favour will be utter outrage."
Rowan Williams, the previous Archbishop of Canterbury, said the Church "lost a measure of credibility" over the failed 2012 vote when he was in post.
Two years on, the composition of the Synod is unchanged but four of those who voted against the proposed change then have since said they will back the latest plans - potentially enough to swing the result.
Rev Jody Stowell, from Harrow in north-west London, said lots of work had since been done to "improve relationships" between those on the Synod with differing opinions.
Mediation and conflict resolution experts were drafted in last year to help members resolve their differences.
But Rev Stowell added: "We would not say we are overly confident at all because it is the same set of people who voted it down in November 2012, so we have to be realistic about that."
This time around the proposals - to be voted on at York University - would allow traditionalist parishes unwilling to serve under a woman bishop to request a male alternative.
An ombudsman would arbitrate in the case of disputes.
Fr David Houlding, an Anglo-Catholic vicar and member of the Synod, said he would be voting against the legislation on principle.
But he conceded that if it failed for a second time it would be a "terrible, terrible disaster" for the Church.
"If it collapses and we have to do something different, I think the Church of England will divide," he predicted.
Susie Leafe, from the Christian campaign group Reform, said she did not want to see women bishops.
"We are looking for the Church to follow biblical principles," she said.
"That means having a set of bishops that serve the flock and are male."
Earlier in the week it was reported that if the proposal was rejected again, the Archbishop of Canterbury was planning to drive it through regardless, potentially by introducing legislation in Parliament via bishops in the House of Lords.
However, the archbishop has since said he could not impose female bishops and added: "It would be matter for the House of Bishops, I can't dictate it."
Women bishops debate- Many opponents believe women cannot be bishops because in their view scripture says a male figurehead is required
- Supporters of the proposal say it would create a greater equality between the sexes within the Church
- Opponents want safeguards, allowing male priests and bishops to look after parishes which request them
- Supporters fear such a move would mean a bishop not having full authority in her own diocese
- Instead of writing safeguards into the legislation, the latest proposals would be guaranteed by a House of Bishops declaration, with disputes ruled on by an independent reviewer, or "ombudsman"
- Women bishops would alter the leadership profile of the Church of England, which is central to many state occasions and local ceremonies
The vote comes after 43 out of 44 dioceses - including two which were previously opposed - overwhelmingly backed the legislation.
Europe, the 44th diocese, failed to respond to the consultation in time.
However a "yes" vote later would likely deepen divisions in the Church over the issue as some of its members already dispute the authority of women priests.
Under the plans, a woman bishop would be able to ordain priests which some opponents say is not only unacceptable but theologically impossible.
If the legislation is approved, it would then go to the ecclesiastical committee of Parliament and the House of Commons and House of Lords.
The General Synod would then meet on 17 November to announce formally that women can be bishops.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Email us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk adding 'Women bishops' in the subject heading.
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