This is the text of the final motion approved by Synod:
”˜That this Synod:
(a) affirm that the wish of its majority is for women to be admitted to the episcopate;
(b) affirm its view that special arrangements be available, within the existing structures of the Church of England, for those who as a matter of theological conviction will not be able to receive the ministry of women as bishops or priests;
(c) affirm that these should be contained in a statutory national code of practice to which all concerned would be required to have regard; and
(d) instruct the legislative drafting group, in consultation with the House of Bishops, to complete its work accordingly, including preparing the first draft of a code of practice, so that the Business Committee can include first consideration of the draft legislation in the agenda for the February 2009 group of sessions.’
The voting was:
Bishops: 28 for 12 against 1 abs
Clergy: 124 for 44 against 4 abs
Laity: 111 for 68 against 2 abs
The winners are, of course, crowing. Try to remember that about a third of Synod in every order voted against this. Isn’t it ironic to break promises made back in 1992 and then assure those to whom the promises were made, of your “absolute respect” for them. Isn’t it ironic to campaign against every proposal made by catholic Anglicans for a way to be be found that could include them and and then affirm that “adequate provision” will be made for them. It’s dishonest and shameful nonsense.
The word “statutory” seems pivotal as does the section on the structure of the CofE which includes “flying bishops”. We must wait and see what the proposed “statutory code of conduct” actually looks like and what will be its force in law.
Perhaps the traditionalists in the CofE should be reminded of a little canon TEC’s GC passed a few years ago called “Empowering Women’s Ministry in All Sees” and which has been vehemently applied especially against those sees which hold a dissenting point of view on women in orders depite assurances that their views would be respected.
#2 Ruth Gledhill reports Archbishop John Sentamu’s comment during the debate
CofE, RIP.
Although no one knows just how many opponents of WO will now leave the C of E, it’s abundantly clear that a substantial exodus can be expected and that this will in turn exacerbate the tilt to the left and accelerate the decline of the mother church of the AC. And that will in turn further strengthen the need for the AC to become truly “Post-Colonial.” In other words, it’s not just this fateful, disastrous decision which is so lamentable, but the fact that it’s entirely predictable that it will almost inevitably lead to yet further moves in the liberal direction as more and more orthodox leaders depart.
But this will also serve to fuel the realignment of Anglicans around the globe. The disintegration and breakup of the western provinces of Anglicanism has only just begun. But while immensely tragic, this church split is also sadly necessary. “A house divided against itself cannot stand” (Mark 3:25). This will give the movement symbolized by GAFCON a big boost.
driver8 (#1),
It’s great to get the take of a Brit on this momentous decision. I’m sure you feel the pain and agony of this historic vote much more keenly than I or most Americans ever could. I’m sorry. I’m reminded of David lament over the death of King Saul and Jonathon:
“How are the mighty fallen.”
David Handy+
For Bishops 68%, Clergy 81%, Lay 61% – on final vote 2/3 in each order required.