Theologians make the case for women bishops
-02/06/06
The progressive Anglican network
Theologians make the case for women bishops
-02/06/06
The progressive Anglican network Affirming Catholicism has published a new book setting out the theological case for ordination of women bishops in the Church of England.
In ëWomen and the Episcopateí a range of academic and clerical contributors argue that it is not only possible but desirable for women to be ordained bishops.
The Rev Dr James Rigney, Chaplain of Magdalen College, Cambridge, the editor, explained today: ìOur aim is to redirect debate in the Church of England towards the fundamental issue of whether there should be women bishops and to put into perspective discussion about how we should deal with those opposed to the move.î
He continued: ìWhile charity makes the question of provision important, it is secondary to the main issue of discerning if the Church is now being called to admit women to the episcopate. This publication argues that the time is now right.î
Other contributors to the volume include Oxford Anglican theologians Mark Chapman, Charlotte Methuen and Jane Shaw, as well as and also academics from the Old Catholic and Methodist churches.
There is also an essay from leading Roman Catholic proponent for womenís ordination, Dr John Wijngaards ñ who left the priesthood over the issue, and has excited criticism from within the hierarchy.
Separate chapters deal specifically with the criticisms raised by the Roman Catholic bishops of England and Wales and conservative Anglo-Catholics in the Church of England.
The publication comes at a crucial time as Anglican bishops meet to discuss proposals drafted by the Bishops of Guildford and Gloucester which will go before General Synod in July 2006.
Affirming Catholicism says free copies of Women and the Episcopateí have been sent to every member of General Synod ahead of the July group of sessions.
Two weeks ago Affirming Catholicism agreed a set of principles with the campaign group WATCH (Women and the Church) responding to an earlier official Church report produced by the Bishop of Guildford on how the Church should proceed to the ordination of women bishops.
The Rev Richard Jenkins, director of Affirming Catholicism, explained: ìWe have been listening carefully to the arguments presented inside and outside the Church. So far the debate has lacked a clear, positive voice from a Catholic perspective in favour of women bishops. We hope that this book redresses that balance.î
He added: ìThe incarnation, Godís taking on of our full humanity in Jesus Christ, lies at the heart of the Catholic vision of the Gospel. We believe that only an ordained ministry which contains both women and men can adequately point to the fullness of that reality.î
Copies of the 176-page book are available priced £5.95. For further details, visit Affirming Catholicism on the web.
[Also on Ekklesia: Groups agree ‘non-negotiable’ plans for women bishops; Report to give seven options on woman bishops; Bill could trigger church-state crisis; Christian campaigners for inclusive church compared to IRA; Archbishop speaks of despair over Anglican factions]
Theologians make the case for women bishops
-02/06/06
The progressive Anglican network Affirming Catholicism has published a new book setting out the theological case for ordination of women bishops in the Church of England.
In ëWomen and the Episcopateí a range of academic and clerical contributors argue that it is not only possible but desirable for women to be ordained bishops.
The Rev Dr James Rigney, Chaplain of Magdalen College, Cambridge, the editor, explained today: ìOur aim is to redirect debate in the Church of England towards the fundamental issue of whether there should be women bishops and to put into perspective discussion about how we should deal with those opposed to the move.î
He continued: ìWhile charity makes the question of provision important, it is secondary to the main issue of discerning if the Church is now being called to admit women to the episcopate. This publication argues that the time is now right.î
Other contributors to the volume include Oxford Anglican theologians Mark Chapman, Charlotte Methuen and Jane Shaw, as well as and also academics from the Old Catholic and Methodist churches.
There is also an essay from leading Roman Catholic proponent for womenís ordination, Dr John Wijngaards ñ who left the priesthood over the issue, and has excited criticism from within the hierarchy.
Separate chapters deal specifically with the criticisms raised by the Roman Catholic bishops of England and Wales and conservative Anglo-Catholics in the Church of England.
The publication comes at a crucial time as Anglican bishops meet to discuss proposals drafted by the Bishops of Guildford and Gloucester which will go before General Synod in July 2006.
Affirming Catholicism says free copies of Women and the Episcopateí have been sent to every member of General Synod ahead of the July group of sessions.
Two weeks ago Affirming Catholicism agreed a set of principles with the campaign group WATCH (Women and the Church) responding to an earlier official Church report produced by the Bishop of Guildford on how the Church should proceed to the ordination of women bishops.
The Rev Richard Jenkins, director of Affirming Catholicism, explained: ìWe have been listening carefully to the arguments presented inside and outside the Church. So far the debate has lacked a clear, positive voice from a Catholic perspective in favour of women bishops. We hope that this book redresses that balance.î
He added: ìThe incarnation, Godís taking on of our full humanity in Jesus Christ, lies at the heart of the Catholic vision of the Gospel. We believe that only an ordained ministry which contains both women and men can adequately point to the fullness of that reality.î
Copies of the 176-page book are available priced £5.95. For further details, visit Affirming Catholicism on the web.
[Also on Ekklesia: Groups agree ‘non-negotiable’ plans for women bishops; Report to give seven options on woman bishops; Bill could trigger church-state crisis; Christian campaigners for inclusive church compared to IRA; Archbishop speaks of despair over Anglican factions]