In a move set to engulf the Church in a bitter row over the historic reform, legislation was published yesterday which will allow women clergy to enter the top ranks while giving almost no concessions to opponents.
While groups campaigning for female clerics to be treated equally expressed joy at the new plans, leading traditionalists reacted angrily to the development.
They claimed that the proposals were designed to “wipe out” those on the Anglo-Catholic and evangelical wings of the Church who do not believe it is in accordance with biblical teaching for women to be bishops.
The legislation, which would go before parliament if approved by the General Synod, could trigger a much larger defection of clergy to Rome than previously predicted. It follows a secret meeting held between the Vatican and three Anglican bishops last month.
“…if approved by the General Synod”. That is the big question. If the legislation doesn’t gain approval in all three houses General Synod, then no women bishops.
I have difficulty in seeing how +Broadbent can “go to Rome” over this issue – if Rome is right, then shouldn’t he be there right now? After all, Rome itself wouldn’t see its claims to ecclesiastical supremacy resting on the mere single issue of male bishops.
What is more important is how orthodox Anglicans of various stripes are going to work together in England, not only to defeat this legislation, but also to roll back liberalism there.