500 clergy set to desert Church over 'betrayal' on women bishops

More than 500 clergy could leave the Church of England in response to proposals to consecrate women bishops that will be debated at the General Synod next month.

Bishops voted narrowly to approve the consecration of women, without enshrining the legal safeguards sought by traditionalists. Instead, dioceses that appoint a woman bishop will merely be asked to sign a voluntary code of practice to ensure that Anglo-Catholics who oppose the move are not discriminated against or forced to act against their conscience.

The Times has learnt that some traditionalists are seeking legal advice on whether it will be possible to sue the Church for constructive dismissal under employment law, should the synod vote in favour of the plans. They are angry that they were promised safeguards when the synod voted to ordain women priests in 1992 and believe that they have been betrayed.

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Dr Rowan Williams and Dr John Sentamu, are both understood to be concerned that the Church of England does not betray its Catholic wing and to favour a compromise if one can be reached. However, both support the consecration of women.

If the synod votes in favour at its meeting in York next month, the legislation would have to be approved by parishes, deaneries and dioceses before going to the parliamentary Ecclesiastical Committee and then the Commons and Lords. The first women bishops could be consecrated within five years. At the top of the list are Canon Lucy Winkett, Precentor of St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Very Rev June Osborne, Dean of Salisbury.

Though fifteen Anglican and Episcopalian provinces around the world have voted to appoint women bishops, and four have appointed them, the Church of England, as mother church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, is in a more sensitive position.

Scotland and Ireland have approved women bishops but neither has appointed one. Wales this year voted narrowly against legislation that made provision for traditionalists. Some senior liberals voted against women bishops in Wales because they preferred to wait and pass legislation that made no provision for traditionalists.

Some insiders in the Church of England believe the potential for schism on the issue is even greater than that over homosexuality. Stephen Parkinson, of the traditionalist group Forward in Faith, said: “If it goes through, I suspect there will be grave difficulties. The overwhelming majority of traditionalists would regard a code of practice as not good enough. They would act accordingly.”

Christina Rees, of Watch, the group backing women bishops, said: “We have always said there should be arrangements for those who remain opposed. But these should be done diocese by diocese. The Church should go forward with legislation that is free from discrimination.”

See   500 clergy set to desert Church over 'betrayal' on women bishops
Times Online, UK