Friday, 22 June 2012
Worcester Diocesan Synod and the bishops’ amendment
Worcester Diocesan Synod met last night & passed this emergency motion by 38 votes to 5
This Synod calls upon the members of General Synod to support an adjournment of the debate on final approval of the Draft Bishops and Priests (Consecration and Ordination of Women) Measure, so that the House of Bishops can reconsider its recent amendment to clause 5.
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Is this a signal from some Church of England Bishops that they refuse to ally themselves with the House of Bishops’ last minute Amendments to the original Draft Measure to secure the Ordination of Women to the Episcopate in the Church of England?
It, seemingly, is not that they oppose the Draft Measure, but the controversial Amendment to Clause 5 of the original draft, made subsequently by the H.o.B.
One wonders how many more Diocesan Synods will follow suit – in distancing themselves from the controversial amendment – before General Synod meets next July? If the amendment of the replacement for Clause 5 is withdrawn, it could make passage of the Bill more acceptable to most General Synod Members.
Father Ron Smith, Christchurch, New Zealand
The Feast of St. Alban, English Proto-Martyr
