Bishop says there WILL be women bishops
by Graham Tutthill gtutthill@thekmgroup.co.uk
The Bishop of Dover says the
door is still open to women serving as bishops in the Church of
England.
The Rt Rev Trevor Wilmott,
who publicly supports women bishops, made his comments in a letter
written to the clergy and lay people of the Diocese of Canterbury
following the vote at the General Synod on Tuesday.
"The vote was not a ‘no’ to
women bishops, but it was a ‘no’ to the proposed legislation as it
stands," he said.
"I believe that the door to
women being bishops is open and cannot now be shut. The clear
majority of the Church of England demands it, the people of this
country expect it, and I believe that the Holy Spirit yearns for
it. There will be women bishops in the Church of England and I hope
and pray that the wait will not be a long one."
In his letter, Bishop Trevor
affirms the place of women priests in the Diocese saying they are
‘valued and appreciated widely’. He also reassures those people and
priests with opposing views saying: "As Bishop, I have consistently
assured those who find the episcopal or priestly ministry of women
difficult that there will be a place for them, which respects their
convictions."
The House of Bishops meets in two weeks' time to consider
the consequences of the vote.
22/11/12
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