Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Are we ready for a female bishop?


From England-

It has been 20 years since the General Synod passed controversial legislation giving women the right to be Anglican priests.

And today members of the Synod – the Church of England’s parliament – are meeting to discuss current proposals for the consecration of the church’s first women bishops.

The divide between traditionalists who want male-only priests and reformers, supporting woman clergy, is nowhere more apparent than in Blackburn Diocese.

The Diocese, which covers most of the county – including Preston – has one of the lowest number of female priests at around 15, compared to other areas which have up to 70.

Members of the Diocesan Synod, representing parishes across the county, backed plans which would pave the way to having women bishops.

However members also called on the church’s leading bishops to amend current proposals to provide additional support for those unable to accept women as their bishop.

Last October, bishops, clergy and lay representatives cast their votes after lengthy debates at a meeting in Preston. Three of the four county bishops opposed proposals being debated throughout the Church of England.

More here-

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/features_2_1844/are_we_ready_for_a_female_bishop_1_4223457

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