There have been a variety of reactions to this as you might expect. Much sadness from those who have worked tirelessly over many years to try and make women Bishops happen. There have been questions over the way Synod works, with many suggesting that it doesn't. 42 of the 44 dioceses voted in favour of Women Bishops, so why does General Synod not reflect this? I read a comment that said you can be president of the United States with 51% of the vote but not a female bishop with 74% of the vote. Many other countries in the worldwide Anglican communion are in shock as they already have Women Bishops. Others are delighted that the measure failed, including many women.
John Sentamu, the
Archbishop of York, suggested in a radio interview that it was not
the idea of women bishops that was rejected but rather the
legislation that the church was suggesting to offer an alternative
for those who in all good conscience could not receive the ministry
of a female bishop.
The outgoing Archbishop
of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, urged Synod to rebuild trust. The
Archbishop elect, Justin Welby, tweeted that is was 'a grim day' for
the Church and is keen to see this issue resolved.
Personally I am in favour of Women Bishop's and do not think the events of the last few days have done much to endear the work and mission of the Church to the watching world. However, the thing that makes me most sad is to see the in-fighting between the different 'sides'. More than anything now is a time for much love, grace and care for one another and a huge amount of prayer. This issue, along with the many other contentious issues that the church faces, is not going to go away and will, in time, need to be revisited and resolved. However, nothing should take us away from the great commission to go and make disciples and share the good news of the love of Christ with all.
