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The ordination of women as Church of England bishops may still be in doubt after a concession to traditional Anglicans. Even those who campaigned for women to be allowed to be a part of the episcopacy may now themselves vote against the proposal.
The English Church’s House of Bishops gave its approval to the proposed legislation, which would allow for a vote at the church’s General Synod in July to endorse the ordination of women Bishops.
However, the Bishops added an amendment that allows traditionalist parishes to opt out and also to have an alternative bishop who was “consistent with the theological convictions” of the parish.
Despite this concession, traditional Church members also criticised the measure as being inadequate to deal with their concerns, and warned that the Church is facing a “terminal” crisis.
Already proposed was that future women bishops should “delegate” their authority over parishes which object to a woman bishop.
The Revd Rachel Weir, Chairman of the campaign group WATCH (Women and The Church) said that the current all-male bishops had “failed to listen to the voice of ordained women.”
“Their decision to intervene in this way will significantly undermine the credibility of the House of Bishops both inside and outside the Church.”
Although the group has not yet decided on its formal response, many individual members are now actively considering voting down the measure rather than accept “second class bishops.”
But Martin Dales, spokesman for the traditionalist Catholic Group in Synod, said that some opponents had not ruled out leaving the Anglican Church altogether.
“It strikes me that July is terminal,” he said. “Nothing seems to have been done to accommodate the traditional orthodox position. Either we are one catholic body or we are a disparate body.
“I would be very sad to see the Church of England go down different roads and going to Rome is only one option.”
Full Story: The Telegraph
Image: The Telegraph
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