Having read around, I understand that the Batman and Robin team of Canterbury and York are proposing some amendments to the draft measure relating to the ordination of women. If I have read the various sources correctly they propose the provision of 'traditional' bishops who by means of the amended measure will have a degree of autonomy (some might say 'safety') from the diocesan. Of course the diocesan will still be the diocesan and retain all the powers, rights and claim to areas and parishes alike but would, in a sort of gentleman's agreement, leave those who have opted for the oversight of a traditionalist bishop alone.
For the orthodox it is not enough and for the supporters of women's ministry it is far too much (or as one observer put it, "Pandering to the mysogynists and gay-haters!").
Interesting in that many of those who struggle over women's ministry have had no problems over the homosexual side of life, one being an ecclesial matter and the other is merely dealing with yet another facet of sin and how the revisionists and modernisers appear to have few problems with anything other than 'God wanting us to be happy!'.
We do need to respect the views of those who came into a male only church and feel, both by conscience and theology, that the moves to support women's ordination in all forms and complexions causes them to stumble. Theirs is surely a different argument to those who came late to the party and wish to see all things as acceptable and blessed. To lose those who form the high church/Anglo-Catholic element would be to lose that which continues to keep the CofE a 'reformed Catholic' church.
I am saddened by the vitriol and awfulness that is coming from some who have set themselves against our high church brethren - there is no generosity and no intention other than to see the church drive these people out. How's about a little reminder of how both sides should be doing it?
"If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 1 John 4:20
If Jesus could reach out to the Samaritan woman (and you know what Samaritans are like!!) then how can we encourage anything other than his example in our lives? It is such a small step to move from defence, or support, of a position such that it becomes a self-fuelling, self-righteous hatred. How easy it is for us to have a higher opinion of our own views, thoughts and desires than we have a right to.
But at least there must be a glimmer of hope as once again, in a small step, Rowan seeks to do what I, and many others, consider to be a right move
2 comments:
Vic, whilst I would want to agree with you, and whilst I know that many "traditionalists" will treat women clergy with respect at a personal level, I have heard too many stories of appalling behaviour towards women priests and ordinands to think that this argument is one-sided. I wonder how it feels not only to know that one's ministry is not recognised by the whole church, but to have that non-recognition institutionalised?
(I write as one who would once have sided with the traditionalists)
The problem is that I have met as many bitchy tradtionalists as I have liberals and don't think the extreme edges should cause a proper Christian response to be put aside.
We can't always legislate for, or control, others but we can decide to act correctly - even if it's despite them.
Pax
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