Women and Episcopacy–A Personal View

The General Synod’s vote against the legislation that would allow consecration of women to the episcopate is hugely disappointing. I am very saddened that our Church will now be held up to ridicule and scorn by the wider society and I am alarmed that women who serve the church as clergy feel that this decision undervalues their contributions. There are things to be said, for when we depend on secular media to filter the news we only get an edited version.

We must recognise that the ‘vote against’ was not primarily a vote against women bishops but a vote against women bishops this way. Many, if not most, of the opponents to this measure recognise that the Church has already decided to consecrate women bishops and it will happen – but want some measure of safeguarding of their traditional position. The real issue has been around the provision of  ‘alternative episcopal oversight’ on terms acceptable to those who cannot accept the oversight of a woman (or a man consecrated by a woman) and acceptable to those who do not want to diminish the authority of the women bishops (or those consecrated by women).

This is not a vote against the quality of ministry that women offer – whether ordained or lay. This vote is not directly saying anything about the strength of women’s ministry or the courage they have had to minister in a male dominated organisation. I have served in staff teams with women, and collaborated closely with other women clergy. It would be foolish to deny that women such as these have not enriched the ministry of the Church bringing distinctive experiences and their own particular strengths.

It is clear to me that those gifted by God for any ministry should serve in the capacities enabled by their gift, and human arrangements should facilitate their service and provide them the opportunities to serve. The Church should be asking (and is) how can (women) best minister – and in the case of episcopacy, making arrangements for that to happen. (For it is undoubtedly true that women can be able and successful leaders.)

It is also clear to me that the language of rights and equality is not sufficient to create a proper understanding of leadership in the church. This should not be the main consideration. In the NT we are obliged to serve – arising out of the grace (gifts) given to us. If we use too quickly the language of rights and equality we are in danger of using a primarily secular model and reducing leadership in the body of Christ to a level that omits God’s grace-giving and power.

We must recognise that this vote was the outcome of a democratic process. It is of course baffling that when 42 out of 44 dioceses voted for the measure, it was defeated by a slim majority in one of the three houses of General Synod. On the other hand it is odd that preliminary stages go through on a simple majority but that the final vote has to be a 2/3 majority in the General Synod.
But nevertheless clergy and laity synod members were only elected in 2010; in most of the candidates’ election material were references to his/her position re women bishops. The hesitant movement towards the final vote on 20 November began when Deanery Synod members elected this General Synod. We may find that voting against this legislation the Synod was voting against its existence again, in this form.

There are some who have lost patience with trying to accommodate the refusniks – and have only grudgingly given ground, preferring a simpler ‘one size fits all’ solution and ‘out with the rest’. The Archbishops and the House of Bishops, I believe, took the bolder path of trying to accommodate the different traditions. However they have not been able to find a solution that provided enough for everyone. It remains to be seen whether there is yet another configuration that will fit the bill. There may come a time when it is clearer that not everyone can be accommodated. But make no mistake the Church is definitely, if slowly, moving forward to consecrating women as bishops. This will happen.

In the meantime let us continue to pray for women clergy feeling under-valued ... and the House of Bishops and the Archbishops as they listen to the Spirit and seek to lead the Church forward.

Why should I bother with church? (Pt 2)

 
In the last edition of the Parish Link I began to answer the question ‘Why bother with church?’ I suggested that one of the reasons we go to church is for a spiritual experience or a rich moment. While it is true that we might experience something ‘spiritual’ in a variety of places, if it is an encounter with God we are looking for, the most obvious and tested routes are reading the Bible and praying, public worship and the sacraments, and conversation with other believers.
However I think we go to church not simply to meet with God. Meeting with the church family, praying, and learning together are means by which we are moulded and transformed.

Gathering

When the church meets for worship it also meets together. All ages and backgrounds gather together as one people. Churches can be divided it is true. But as often they are like the rainbow nation that Nelson Mandela dreamed of. In my experience there are very few places in society in which people choose to be together but are more mixed than a local congregation. But we are also reminded of those who are not with us. Some have died, some are sick, some have never been invited. When the church is truest to itself it is not self-absorbed but concerned for others. Week by week we learn this together.

Confessing

In our worship services we pause and admit our failings and faults. We make confession; knowing that we have sinned but may be forgiven. So regularly we face up to our pride, our selfishness, our lust, our weaknesses. But we can face them knowing that God will cleanse and heal us. Dare we do that outside God's loving relationship?

Listening

We listen to God's Word in Scripture; we stop our own thinking and try and absorb some new truth. It is often said learning is lifelong. Week by week we are opening ourselves up to new thoughts and to a deeper understanding of ourselves and to revelation from above. There is no place for a know-it-all in church there is always more to learn.

Interceding

When we pray well we're thinking deeply about other people's needs and God's mercy. Our concern and love can touch people well beyond our reach. We maintain connections with the long-running and unresolved situations in the world and in people's lives. We learn patience and  perseverance.

Sharing peace

Being close to other people is not always easy. But Jesus taught us to make peace. Whenever we look into someone's eyes and say the liturgical words ‘Peace be with you’ we have to mean it. We have to forgive. We have to begin again.

Sharing communion

At every communion service we stand (or kneel together) and receive. It is very hard to many people to receive-we'd much rather be the givers. But around the communion table we are all the same. We simply receive. We learn to be humble together.

Being sent out

At the end of worship we are commissioned afresh for service. Worship is an end in itself. But it is not the end of our life. What we have received we must share. And so deliberately, we are told to ‘go out into the world to love and to serve the Lord’. Our life is not all about us – it is about what we can do for God and for others.
So ‘going to church’ re-makes us. It is like a gymnasium for the spirit. We don't expect physical exercise to be easy; it is the the resistance that builds fitness. So we should expect church to be tough at times, it may be that God will use it to change our hearts.