Contrary to Fr Christopher Seton’s reported comments (“New world order as Anglican priests move to a Catholic environment”, The Age, 8/8), the Anglican Church respects those who cannot accept, in good conscience, the ordination of women to the priesthood and the episcopate….Moreover, Fr Seton’s reported assertion “that you’ve got to believe in same-sex marriage” to remain in the Anglican Church is inaccurate and misplaced.
[blockquote] “Even though the ordination of women has been joyfully embraced by the Melbourne Diocese and a majority of the Australian Dioceses, the Anglican Church has sought to be supportive of those who cannot accept the ordained ministry of women priests or bishops.” [/blockquote]
Correction to Mr Ashby – AT THE PRESENT TIME the Anglican Church of Australia seeks “to be supportive of those who cannot accept the ordained ministry of women priests or bishops”. The behaviour of liberal episcopalian leaders in the USA indicates that this position may change at any time.
The same applies to the attitude of liberal Anglicans in the Church of England – they now seek to eliminate any provision at all for those who in good conscience cannot accept the ministry of women priests and bishops.
With examples like these, no Australian Anglican can have confidence that the Australian dioceses will continue in future to make provision for those who cannot accept WO. Mr Ashby should acknowledge that.