Church of England backs female bishops in new scheme
THE first woman bishop in the Church of England could be selected before the end of the year after the General Synod backed new rules yesterday.
In a move hailed by one member as a step towards the Promised Land, rules that fast-track the long-awaited introduction of women bishops cleared the revision stage of the Church’s national assembly meeting in London.
The scheme slashes the time that the Church consults with its 44 dioceses over the legislation from six months to three, paving the way for final approval in July.
The move to halve the consultation period was backed by 358 members, with 39 voting against and nine abstaining.
Lois Haslam, from Chester, said: “We have wandered round women bishops legislation for many, many years. We are now approaching the Promised Land and it is exciting.”
Tim Allen, of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, said: “Women bishops are long overdue.”
But Christina Rees, of St Albans, warned: “Taking a full six months will not help those who remain opposed in principle to having women bishops.
“What it will do is continue to allow the Church and this synod to be held up to ridicule. Our credibility will be further undermined.”