Church of England General Synod in York Commences to Resolve Splits

The Church of England’s 2005 July General Synod will commence Friday 8th July at the University of York. The 5-day conference will focus on discussions over a wide range of subjects from Church politics to social issues, including the clergy discipline, Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill, interfaith relationship, women bishops consecration and Anglican-Methodist Covenant.

Women bishop consecration is expected to be in the spotlight of the Synod this time as the Church has remained divided and unable to reach a consensus despite years long of debate and consultation.

Women’s rights activities and liberals in the Church have spearheaded the proposals to allow the consecration of women bishops. Since the Church of England ordained the first female priest in 1994, many argued that it is illogical and unfair to prohibit women priest to take up posts as bishops.

Opponents of women bishops, who are mostly conservatives and evangelicals, believed that 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.

In the last General Synod in February, the Church has examined the issue based on a major document called Rochester Report published in November 2004. However, neither "yes" nor "no" position was taken, and the synod has decided to consult the matter again this time.

In fact, the schism over women bishops has even deepened the rift between conservatives and liberals in the Church, which has already been troubled by controversy over homosexuality. Some conservatives have even threatened that if the agenda for women bishop continues, they will leave the Church.

One week before the General Synod, seventeen bishops made a last-minute appeal urging the Church of England to deny women the opportunity to become bishops through a statement published through the Church of England Newspaper.

The bishops argued that the Church needs sufficient time in order to properly discuss the issues as any such decision could jeopardise Church relations with its other provinces in the Communion and as well as its ecumenical partners.

"There is ample evidence from Church history, not least, and most recently, in the Anglican Communion, that actions by individual provinces touching the scriptural and traditional faith and order of the Church, actions that inevitably unchurch those who cannot accept such changes, do not serve the unity which Christ asks of his Church."

Currently, there are already 14 provinces within the Communion that have already approved women as bishops, with only eight remaining men only.

On Friday, the Synod will formally start at 3:00 p.m. with prayers, introductions, welcome to and reply on behalf of the ecumenical guests. Then there will be report from the Business Committee by the Chair of the Business Committee Revd Dr Richard Turnbull.

An ordination service for deacons, priests and bishops as well as the report by the Revision Committee will follow. A question session is scheduled for the evening. The General Synod will close on Tuesday 12th July.