Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,<\/p>\n
In 2012 the College of Bishops appointed a Task Force on Holy Orders to provide the College with a scholarly and informed study on Holy Orders and, specifically, women in Holy Orders (the enabling resolution is reprinted in what follows). The Task Force, led by Bishop David Hicks, consisted of people representing differing perspectives and practices. They have met for the past 5 years and during that time have periodically released progress reports. This past January Bishop Hicks presented a report on the last phase of the process to the College, and we are now releasing the whole report to the Province.<\/p>\n
Please note the following:<\/p>\n
\u2022 The Task Force was not commissioned to resolve the issue, but was asked to develop
\nresources to help the bishops in future conversation on this topic.
\n\u2022 Therefore the report does not answer the questions of what the College is to do, but it is
\na study presented to the College to help the College in our discussions.
\n\u2022 The report does not change our current practice regarding women\u2019s orders as stated in
\nour Constitution. Our current practice allows each diocese to determine whether it
\nwill ordain women as deacons or priests.
\n\u2022 The report will now be sent to the GAFCON Primates for their input and guidance for
\nour discussions.
\n\u2022 The College of Bishops will now be studying the whole report, and we will meet in
\nspecial session later in the year to discuss how we move forward together.<\/p>\n