From Bermuda-
Women can now be ordained as ministers in the Anglican Diocese of Bermuda.
The landmark decision was the result of a vote by the Synod at its June meeting.
The Anglican Bishop of Bermuda, the Rt. Rev. Patrick White, said support for the move was so overwhelming that a count was not taken. He's been at the helm of the church since January following the retirement of Bishop Ewen Ratteray who was fervently against allowing female ministers.
There has been a strong belief for several years among many local Anglicans that the Bermuda Diocese needed to modernise and accept females as deacons and ministers.
"The feeling among most was: 'Why shouldn't women be able to be ordained?'" said Bishop White. "The vast majority feel women can do the job as well as men."
The matter was never brought to Synod, the governing body of the Anglican Church of Bermuda, because of the Bishop's power to veto any decision.
"We waited 12 years because Bishop Ewen wouldn't entertain the idea," said one member of Synod. "I know a lot of people feel this decision is embarrassing because it's so late."
Bishop White said he's pleased to have addressed the matter so early in his tenure. He said he and Archdeacon Andrew Doughty had agreed to open the priesthood to women at the first opportunity.
More here-
http://www.royalgazette.com/siftology.royalgazette/Article/article.jsp?articleId=7d9732f30030001§ionId=60
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