From The Church Times-THE General Synod is in trouble. In ten days' time, it is to consider giving final approval to the consecration of women bishops. In the normal run of things, this would be the stage for a general debate in which the participants return to first principles, examine whether the legislation does or does not fulfil their wishes, and vote accordingly. This debate looks increasingly unlikely to happen.
What has changed things are the amendments appended to the Measure by the House of Bishops (News, 25 May). These were a) that the episcopal ministry of a male bishop acting under a diocesan scheme was derived from his own orders but delegated from the diocesan bishop; and b) that the Code of Practice should give guidance that a diocesan bishop should, when appointing a bishop or priest to oversee a dissenting parish, select someone "the exercise of ministry of whom is consistent with the theological convictions as to the consecration or ordination of women" of the PCC.
These amendments were designed to achieve two things. The first was to reassure traditionalists that proper provision will be made for them in the Measure and the Code of Practice. The second was to give the Measure a better chance of passing.
More here-
http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2012/29-june/comment/leader-comment/leader-women-bishops-what-should-happen-next
No comments:
Post a Comment