A group of 14 traditionalist bishops claim that there are “irreconcilable differences” over historic reforms that would introduce women as bishops without giving proper concessions to oponents of the move.
In a letter to 1,400 clergy who have indicated that they are considering defecting from the Church of England, they are highly critical of a decision by the General Synod – the Church’s parliament – to ignore proposals for a compromise over the divisive issue.
The Anglo-Catholic bishops have vowed to support clergy who feel unable to remain in the Church, but have pledged to fight for a better deal for traditionalists who do not believe women should be consecrated.
Signed by three senior bishops – the Rt Rev John Hind, Bishop of Chichester, the Rt Rev Nicholas Reade, Bishop of Blackburn and the Rt Rev Geoffrey Rowell, Bishop in Europe – the letter will serve as a reminder to Dr Rowan Williams that there is still a battle ahead over making women bishops.
The treatment of the traditionalist minority by the illiberal liberal majority is nothing short of scandalous and a spit in the face of Jesus. The Synod even voted to state that those to whom they once promised a place of lifelong honour were no longer faithful Anglicans. Synod was ugly, ungracious and unGodly – and sadly most Diocesan Bishops are numbered amongst those who should hang their heads in penitent shame. So desperate were they to avoid relinquishing power by affording us Diocese’s in which to grow- that they put in a very low proposal and then feigned shock when it was voted through. I am one piest who is considering my options. their cruelty could well leave my two year old daughter and wife homeless and with an uncertain future. Our crime? Believing what the C of E itself taught us.
I currently hang on by a thread and wait to see if the establishment has the courage, wisdom and integrity to honour its promises, apologise and think again.
A code never has been acceptable- we have explained why until blue in the face. The bullish way in which our opponents continue to offer it whilst pretending it is suitable is evidence -in and of itself -that they do not listen to us or care about us.
Dreadful thought the plight of English Anglo-Catholics may be, it pales in comparison to their situation in the US, Canada, Australia, NZ and so on. It was partly the monitory example of other provinces that helped give AC’s a spine in England and make Forward in Faith a relatively tough and effective organization. FiF will need every ounce of that toughness to cope with the coming onslaught–it is essential that the lay people be educated in what lies in store unless they resist the revisionist agenda.