Church of England to Decide on Women Bishops in Synod

Two days after the General Synod of the Church of England began, more important issues are due to be discussed by the 579-member House of Bishops (including the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York), the House of Clergy, the House of Laity and officers. The agenda on Wednesday addresses one of the highlights of this synod - whether to allow women bishop consecration in the Church.

Based on the Rochester Report that the Church published last November, the synod will examine the Church of England's options regarding women bishops, but will not take a "yes" or "no" position.

The rift between conservatives and liberals concerning the issue is expected to be widened through further debate. Growing ranks of conservatives and evangelicals in the Church believe there is no biblical precedent for women bishops since Christ's apostles were all male, and that it is wrong for women to have authority over men in a religious capacity.

On the other hand, supporters of women bishops have said that since the first female priest was ordained in 1994, it is illogical and unfair to prohibit women priest to take up higher posts.

The controversy has led to the radical response of some conservatives, who threaten the Church that if the agenda for women bishop continues, they will leave the Church. Therefore for those who cannot conscientiously accept women bishops, the synod will discuss one option that would create a province within the church where women don't serve in that capacity.

On the synod today the members will vote on whether to allow further discussions on the matter at a meeting in July. If the vote is favourable, the church would use that meeting to vote on whether to begin the legislative process necessary to allow the change of policy.

"Each issue that comes along is a struggle between Liberals and Evangelicals," religious commentator Clifford Longley told Reuters about the synod.

"We have a very strong Evangelical presence in the synod and it has a continued desire to shape the church in its own fashion," he added.