The Church of England has still not resolved the difficult issue of approving women bishops while still satisfying the die – hards resisting reform. However, the Church in Wales has led the way, in approving, by convincing margins, the ordination of women bishops. I doing so, they, resisted strong pressure to make special provision for the minority who had been trying to hold the church to ransom.
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Church in Wales backs women bishops
Women bishops will be allowed in the Church in Wales following a landmark yes vote.
Bishops within the Church tabled a bill calling for the change and which was finally accepted by its governing body after a previous vote in 2008 failed.
There were huge cheers in the hall as the result was announced.
In England, the issue is due to be discussed again in November. Ireland and Scotland both allow female bishops.
Despite female bishops being allowed in Northern Ireland and Scotland, none have been elected yet.
The Church of Wales’ bishops wanted a second bill to allow the Church’s constitution to be rewritten for traditionalist priests who do not want to be led by a woman.
But reformers successfully put forward an amendment earlier in the day to avoid delays in adopting the change during a meeting at Lampeter, Ceredigion.
Their amendment led to the straight yes-no vote
-continue reading at BBC News
Here is the official press release (via Thinking Anglicans, which also includes commentary and links to other sources)
Church votes to ordain women as bishops
A Bill to enable women to be consecrated as bishops was passed by members of the Governing Body of the Church in Wales meeting at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in Lampeter today.
The Bill was amended, following a lengthy and passionate debate, to become a one-stage vote to enable the consecration of women as bishops, with a “code of practice” to be written by the Bishops for those who in conscience could not accept the authority of women bishops. The amendment had been tabled by the Archdeacon of Llandaff, Peggy Jackson, and Revd Canon Jenny Wigley.
The Bill was proposed by the Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron, and seconded by the Bishop of Bangor, Andy John.
Addressing members, the Archbishop, Dr Barry Morgan, said, “Thank you for the way in which the debate has been conducted and I hope you will trust us as Bishops to prepare a code of practice.”
Result:
House of Laity – 57 yes 14 no 2 absentions
House of Clergy – 37 yes, 10 no
House of Bishops – unanimous.
A two thirds majority was required in each house.
