Monday 5 November 2012

WATCH welcomes proposed measure as "an acceptable next step"

Once again, if there were any doubt as to the 'trajectory' intended by many of those supporting the proposed Measure to introduce women bishops, the published statements of these supporters make it clear.

On the one hand, there are apparently many in WATCH opposed even to the 'watered down' provision on offer as being too much of a concession:
... many expressed concern that by providing such generous provision for those opposed, we are storing up trouble for future years and risk entrenching a discriminatory culture that is deeply damaging to men, women and the health of the Church of England.
On the other hand, for those willing to swallow these concessions, this is only a tactical manouevre:
It is clear that the majority of WATCH supporters feel that, although not ideal, this package is ‘good enough’ – an acceptable next step on a continuing road towards a Church that fully values and celebrates the gifts of her women.
The full statement follows:

********************
 National WATCH Update

Dear WATCH friend,

 As you know, WATCH has been consulting with members and others over the past weeks to get a better sense of whether the draft legislation to allow women in the episcopate has the support of our constituency. Immediately after the September meeting of the House of Bishops, our conversations revealed a very deep and passionate division between those who would continue to support the Measure and those who could not. It appears that over the past few weeks that position has changed.

Our recent consultation with members and others indicates three things very strongly:
1. That our supporters continue to have a number of reservations about the legislation: many expressed concern that by providing such generous provision for those opposed, we are storing up trouble for future years and risk entrenching a discriminatory culture that is deeply damaging to men, women and the health of the Church of England.

2. Despite these concerns, a significant majority of those who responded to our consultation would like to see this legislation pass Final Approval on 20th November: they think that the benefits of having women as bishops outweigh the risks inherent in the Measure.

3. There is a strong minority view that this legislation is discriminatory and should therefore be opposed.
WATCH acknowledges that those with both views are sincere in their desire to see the full flourishing of women in the Church of England. We understand that individuals may feel compelled to vote in either direction on 20th November. However, the balance of opinion in our constituency is now firmly in favour of this legislation passing and we hope Synod members will take that into consideration in deciding which way to vote.

WATCH has worked tirelessly to ensure that the best possible legislation is presented to General Synod for Final Approval and will continue with this work beyond November whatever the result of the vote (especially in monitoring the development of the Code of Practice). What is on the table now is the product of many years of consultation and detailed drafting work. Now is the time for Synod members to decide whether this legislation is a workable basis for going forward together. It is clear that the majority of WATCH supporters feel that, although not ideal, this package is ‘good enough’ – an acceptable next step on a continuing road towards a Church that fully values and celebrates the gifts of her women.

WATCH therefore welcomes the positive contributions of the Archbishop of Canterbury and others in seeking to persuade Synod members to support the legislation. We hope that other bishops will follow his strong lead. For details of Archbishop Rowan’s ‘Enough Waiting’ campaign please follow this link http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/

We also invite those of our members who want to see this legislation passed in November to follow the link below to a website set up by ‘Church Mouse’ and consider signing the letter asking your General Synod members to vote in favour of the draft legislation http://yes2womenbishops.blogspot.co.uk/

With thanks to everyone who has been in touch to let us know your views
and all good wishes,

Rachel

The Rev'd Rachel Weir
Chair of WATCH (Women and the Church)
www.womenandthechurch.org

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5 comments:

  1. I guess the questioj I have, as an interested outsider looking in, is this:

    Does WATCH acknowledge that even those opposed to the ordination of women as bishops or even priests are sincere in their desire to see the full flourishing of women in the C of E, but feel that this is most likely to happen if policies and practices of the church are in accordance with the traditional understanding of Scripture when it comes to gender roles (and a host of other areas)?

    In other words, does WATCH acknowledge that those on the other side of this issue are not driven by misogyny and gender politics but by sincere convictions and a desire for the good of the church and all its members?

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  2. On the one hand I agree with the "next step" idea, as I would love to see all people accepting the ministry of women as priests and bishops.
    However on the other hand I completely respect the fact that some may never do so and that this may continue through the generations. Whilst I might not agree, I would want their theological stance to be held as valid, acceptable and honoured for as long as it exists.
    To reject people because of a disagreement over a non-essential leads to disunity and unity is far more important than "equality"!

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  3. There's a strange debate going on here, typified by the small discussion we had in Deanery Synod some time ago. There were many people prepared to stand up and make a lot of noise about proper provisions and their inadequacy, and their opposition to WO in general, but, when it came to a vote, the silent majority had their way. I feel that whatever is said, General Synod will go the same way - the content of the debate will be largely irrelevant, as minds really do not want to contemplate the alternative.

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  4. Dear Father John,
    Thankyou for all of your efforts in keeping us informed.
    As a catholic anglican,I have observed with great interest (and great concern)the antics of general synod over the matter of women bishops.I have given up expressing my theological objections to women priests and bishops,noone wants to hear/or are interested.Any correspondence I have with my local diocesan bishop gets the usual political response.Thankyou for your letter...for the good of the church....etc.The general synod will do what it wants.I am sure WATCH,GRAS and all the other liberals(we're all very nice as long as you agree with us)just hope that the likes of me can be bundled out the back door and we aren't a further embarressment and or problem for them,so that they can have a church after their own image.I am often reminded of the film independence day,when there is a scene where the president asks the alien what he is to do,the reply is die!!
    That is precisely what the political liberal power in the general synod wants those that are opposed to women's order's to do.Can someone tell me that what's on the table is fair and ensures that those who are opposed can have life in the church of england and flourish?I do hope that those members of the general synod can reflect as they place wreathes and poppies on the many war memorials this coming weekend and think what these people died for.Totalitarianism? or was it something to do with freedom,I just can't remember now in all this atmosphere of justice and equality.Was there any point looking at the state of things?
    "To the pure all things are pure,but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure.Their very minds and consciences are corrupted.They profess to know God,but deny him by their actions.They are detestable,disobedient,unfit for any good work".
    st Pauls letter to Titus.
    You are in my prayers as is also The Church of England (the church of my baptism) at this critical junction.

    yours in the risen Lord

    Baden W Favill
    assistant organist
    The colliegate and Parish Church of St Mary de Castro,Leicester

    Church Warden
    The Parish Church of Saint Stephen
    Leicester


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  5. But John
    Did we really not know that way back in 1992 they were determined to drive us out of the Church? That was clear as a pike staff as far as I was concerned so why are we surprised when they now openly declare their intentions?? You just have to read some mild feminist theology to understand that its not just women priests and bishops that they want but the whole scale restructuring of orthodox doctrine. Hooker pointed out in the 1590's that female priests and bishops will lead to paganism pure and simple..Nigel

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