Church of England synod to decide on women bishops

The Church of England General Synod is to decide today if it can go ahead with plans to appoint women bishops. This followed last-minute disagreements over a compromise that would allow objecting Anglicans to be ministered to by a man.

The issue has divided the Church of England for decades, despite the appointment of women in the Anglican Church. Some now fear it could lead to an exodus of traditional churchgoers to the Catholic Church. Dozens of clergy and hundreds of parishioners have already quit in protest, while significantly larger numbers are expected to go unless they get a guarantee they will not have to deal with a woman bishop.

Under the compromise to be put forward today, a male bishop would be appointed to have a “flying” role – co-ordinate jurisdiction, as it is called – in a diocese where a parish votes against having a female appointee. Keep reading.

Related article: General Synod discussing women bishops compromise bid
Let us pray for those against women bishops