Here is the bombshell:
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 letter – seen by The Daily Telegraph – says that current plans would lead to the “inevitable exclusion of substantial numbers of faithful Anglicans from the Church of England”.
It continues: “Different decisions should be respected and supported, including that of those who have come to believe that fidelity to the faith we have received means that they can no longer remain within the communion of the Church of England.
“We are faced with apparently irreconcilable differences in matters of faith and order, and it is important to try to conduct all conversations and debates in a spirit of generosity even when church-dividing issues are at stake.”
They urge clergy that this “is not a necessary conclusion”, but admit to feeling pain, bewilderment and disappointment over the direction that the Church has taken in deciding women can be bishops with minimum provisions for objectors.
One bishop, the Rt Rev Stephen Venner – the Archbishop of Canterbury’s deputy and himself a supporter of women bishops – was in tears following last month’s vote.
“For the first time in my life I feel ashamed,” he told the gathering in York. “We have talked for hours about how to give an honourable place for those who disagree.
“We have turned down almost every realistic opportunity for those who are opposed to flourish.”
From the Telegraph.
Is this the same group that is 1992 was going to leave over the ordination of women??
maybe they are more serious this time. Maybe we Catholics are, too. Of course over 700 did swim after 92 in Great Britain.
If the bishops come over, do we get the Cathedrals back?
-If the bishops come over, do we get the Cathedrals back?-
No, they will be mosques soon…
“No, they will be mosques soon…”
Ugh, more house cleaning to do when Islam falls….
How many of the over 700 stayed?? In Australia the number has been minute and then few stayed!
I am always skeptical over these rumors. Why all the huffing and puffing – just do it!
Bob Catholic,
LOL The ‘Nike’ solution – Just do it!
Or was that Coca-cola?
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