Women Bishops – latest developments
A Statement from the Chairman
of Forward in Faith
15 July 2010
Like you, I was very disappointed at the outcome of last
weekend’s debate at General Synod in York and appalled at the intransigence
of some feminist clergy and their supporters. What kind of a church
is it that is willing to ignore the leadership of its Archbishops and to
renege on a solemn promise given to Parliament about an honoured and
permanent place for us?
We now face a most serious situation, made all the worse by the
refusal of the Synod to pass the Archbishops’ amendment. Resolutions A
& B - which provide the basis in law on which the ordination of women
can be opposed - are to be removed. This means that any opposition
which might be tolerated will be based on the recognition of supposed
prejudice rather than the respect of theological principle. Further,
the abolition of the PEVs is proposed, which will leave our constituency in
an intolerable position. All we would be allowed under the draft
Measure as it now stands is access to a male bishop, whose own beliefs need
not coincide with ours. That is sexism writ large.
Despite the dreadful result in York, we owe a debt of gratitude
to the Catholic Group in General Synod, along with all those who supported
them in the debate. In the coming weeks, a new Synod is to be elected
and it is vital we all do all we can to ensure the return of as many
orthodox candidates as possible, in order that a Catholic presence on the
Synod can be there to continue to represent the interests of Catholic
Anglicans throughout this divisive and unnecessary process.
That these are very difficult times for all of us goes without
saying; we need, above all, to take time to pray, to consult together
and to support one another, as we try to discern our respective ways
forward – not just in faith, but also of course in hope and in love.
Every blessing,
XJohn Fulham
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A
Statement from Forward in Faith
Jul 12, 2010
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The draft
Measure to permit the ordination women as bishops, approved today by the
General Synod and sent for discussion and approval by Diocesan Synods,
contains nothing which can satisfy the legitimate needs of members of
Forward in Faith.
Now,
though, is not the time for precipitate action. There will be
ample opportunity for priests to take counsel together at the Sacred Synods
called by the Catholic Bishops in each province in September, and for
Forward in Faith to take stock at the National Assembly in October.
'Friends of the Ordinariate' launched in UK
Feb 22, 2010
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