Welsh bishops pledge pastoral care for women priest opponents

The bishops of the Church in Wales have promised to provide continuing care for those opposed to the ordination of women, following a decision not to appoint a new assistant bishop.

They stressed there was still a place in the church for those unable in conscience to accept the ordination of women and emphasised their commitment to sensitive pastoral care for all people and parishes in each diocese.

The announcement follows the retirement last June of Bishop David Thomas who came to be known as the Provincial Assistant Bishop. He was appointed in 1996 when the church decided to ordain women as priests.

The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, made the announcement to the Governing Body of the Church in Wales meeting at the University of Wales, Lampeter. While acknowledging Bishop David's faithful ministry, he said that after 12 years of women ordained as priests the Bishops had decided not to appoint a successor.

Dr Morgan said, "We reaffirm as Diocesan Bishops our commitment to securing a continuing place in the life of the Church in Wales for those who cannot in conscience accept the ordination of women to the priesthood.

"However, we no longer consider that the continuation of additional episcopal provision for one part of the Church on grounds of belief or doctrine on one particular issue is either necessary or consistent with Anglican ecclesiology.

"All Church in Wales clergy and parishes are in communion with their respective diocesan bishop, regardless of whether or not they agree on every issue. Episcopal oversight and care for all within each diocese is the responsibility of the diocesan bishop.

"There remains a continuing place in the Church in Wales for those unable to accept the ministry of women priests, but we do not believe that this is contingent upon appointing another provincial assistant bishop and it is therefore our decision not to appoint.

"Whilst bringing a particular arrangement to an end, we remain committed to serving every person and every parish within our respective dioceses and we will continue to be sensitive in our appointments, both in terms of the views of parishes and in ensuring that clergy from different parts of the Church are given the opportunity to progress in their ministry."