In its biggest decision for 20 years, the Church of England's legislative body will vote on whether to allow women bishops.
Women now make up a third of the church's clergy but commentators say the vote could nonetheless be tight, with The Times newspaper saying it was "on a knife-edge".
The meeting of the General Synod, which is formed of three houses –
bishops, clergy and laity – is taking place at Church House, in the
shadow of Westminster Abbey in central London.
Rowan Williams, who as Archbishop of Canterbury is the Anglican church's spiritual leader, backs the legislation.
Williams, who steps down in December after 10 years in the role, will
be replaced by the Bishop of Durham Justin Welby, who also supports the
change.
If approval is given, the legislation will go to parliament before
being signed off by the head of state Queen Elizabeth II, who is also
the Church of England's supreme governor, paving the way for the first
women bishops in 2014.
The Church of England, which separated from the Roman Catholic Church
in 1534, is the mother church of the 80-million-strong worldwide
Anglican Communion.
Ϲan уou tell us more about thіs?
ReplyDeleteI'd care to find out some additional information.
Here is my blog ... safe weight loss
You can certainly see your expertise in the work you write.
ReplyDeleteThe sector hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who
aren't afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow your heart.
Here is my web blog ; fifa ultimate strategy