Welcome for Women Bishops

The Bishop of Sherborne, Dr Graham Kings, gave a wide-ranging presidential address, noting that “Women in the episcopate is not a passing enthusiasm but a real and profound desire in the Church of England which has endured and deepened through waiting.”

The Diocesan Director of Education, Chris Shepperd, presented a paper summarising the findings of a consultation with 75 pupils from a variety of schools. Of those polled, 80% were strongly in favour of the ordination of women as bishops.

Delegates then debated the legislation submitted by General Synod, the governing body of the Church of England, which seeks to provide structures for the appointment of women bishops and make provision for those opposing the measure.

The legislation was approved by 86 votes to 8, with two abstentions.

Votes from the House of Bishops:      1 for, 0 against, 0 abstentions
Votes from the House of Clergy:        37 for, 2 against, 1 abstention
Votes from the House of Laity:           48 for, 6 against, 1 abstention

A total of 43 Church of England dioceses are voting, and the results from each will inform General Synod ahead of its deliberations in Feb 2012.

Chair of the House of Laity Robert Key presented a report on the Magna Carta Project at Salisbury Cathedral, including its link to social justice, and looking ahead to the 800th anniversary in 2015. An application by Poole Missional Communities to be represented in Poole area decisions was approved unanimously.

The annual report and accounts for 2010 and the budget for share for 2012 were also approved at this meeting.

Diocesan Secretary Lucinda Herklots said, “It’s vital that many viewpoints are heard at a time like this, and we welcome the opportunity for open debate. The diocese has spoken, and we have now added our voice to the national debate on this subject. We look forward to General Synod’s final approval of this legislation in due course.”

ENDS

Links
Download the presidential address
Visit the Gallery 
Diocesan Synod 
Magna Carta 
Poole Missional Communities 

Notes for Editors
School pupils were consulted on the concept of women bishops, rather than the legislation.

The wording of the motion was:
'That this Synod approve the proposals embodied in the draft Bishops and Priests (Consecration and Ordination of Women) Measure and in draft Amending Canon No 30'.

Salisbury Diocesan Synod is made up of three ‘houses’: the house of bishops, the house of clergy (ordained ministers) and the house of laity (those not ordained).
Membership is determined by elections every three years.
Synod meets three times a year and is the governing body of the Diocese.

Further information contact
Michael Ford, Communications Co-ordinator
01722 438651, 07500 836989, michael.ford@salisbury.anglican.org