The Bishops’ amendment asserts that the diocesan bishop will retain full authority over all parishes, even when he or she has delegated cerÂtain functions to an alternate bishop. At the same time, it makes clear that this alternate bishop functions in his own right, and not merely with delegated powers.
The Bishops’ second amendment concerns the Code of ConÂduct, which bishops will need to abide by when drawing up a scheme for any parish that makes a formal request for alternate proÂvision in their diocese. The wording of the code cannot be finalised until after the draft Measure beÂcomes law; but the amendment requires the code to ensure that “the exercise of ministry by those bishops and priests will be conÂsistent with the theological conÂvic-tions as to the consecration or ordination of women which prompted the issuing of the Letter of Request”….
A statement issued after the House of Bishops’ deliberations was unusual in making clear what they didn’t do as much as what they did. “The House rejected more far- reaching amendments that would have changed the legal basis on which bishops would exercise authÂority when ministering to parishes unable to receive the ministry of female bishops.”