Forward in Faith to follow conscience in diocesan vote on women bishops

As Church of England legislation on women bishops goes out to diocesan synods, one evangelical group says it will be following their consciences by voting against.

"Forward in Faith believes that synod members should give their votes according to principle and conscience," the group said in a statement.

"For members of Forward in Faith that is likely to involve voting against the Measure and the Canon because, for reasons of theological conviction, we cannot endorse the ordination of women to the priesthood and episcopate."

Conscience voting was particularly required, they claimed, when legislation is referred to the dioceses "because it touches the sacraments of the Church".

The suggestion is that more negotiated voting is expected at General Synod.

There was an understanding that votes against in this instance would not successfully derail the arrival of women bishops, and would merely be officially registered objections.

"We wish to underline that in making this recommendation we are not seeking to hinder progress towards a final resolution of this issue," Forward in Faith explained.

"This will be the only opportunity for members of diocesan synods to vote on the principle in accordance with their theological convictions.

"We are conscious that at this stage in the process only simple majorities are required."

Forward in Faith were praising of the level of understanding over their position.

"We were encouraged that, when members of the General Synod voted against the relevant parts of the legislation at the February group of sessions, the fact that they felt obliged to do so as a matter of integrity was widely accepted."

Speaking about the upcoming vote, they said, "We trust that similar understanding will be shown in the diocesan synods."

News
Active faith linked to happier marriages and lower divorce rates, study finds
Active faith linked to happier marriages and lower divorce rates, study finds

People who regularly attend church are more likely to report happy marriages, according to a new report examining the relationship between faith and family life.

Indian churches fearing anti-conversion laws tell non-Christians: enter at your own risk
Indian churches fearing anti-conversion laws tell non-Christians: enter at your own risk

Churches in Dhamtari, a town in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, have put up notices warning non-Christians that they enter at their own risk, weeks after a law against religious conversion came into force in the state.

£1k bursaries to help churches develop youth and community mentoring programmes
£1k bursaries to help churches develop youth and community mentoring programmes

Churches across the UK are being offered bursaries to help them establish mentoring programmes aimed at supporting young people and others in their communities.

World Evangelical Alliance celebrates 180th anniversary
World Evangelical Alliance celebrates 180th anniversary

The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) has held an online celebration to mark its 180th anniversary. Hundreds of people from more than 22 countries attended, and the event was rebroadcast to accommodate different time zones.