WATCH press release - Further Delay for Women Bishops

WATCH PRESS STATEMENT

Tuesday, 19th January 2010 - for immediate release

FURTHER DELAY FOR WOMEN BISHOPS

Following the publication this week of General Synod's February agenda, WATCH notes with deep

regret that there will be no debate on the draft legislation for women bishops. The Revision

Committee set up to prepare the legislation which will open the Episcopate to women has failed to

complete its task in time for February's synod, as requested in a synod motion one year ago.

Although not explicitly asked to do so, the Revision Committee considered a range of options for

the legislation, including models already rejected by General Synod.

Despite this disappointing setback, WATCH would like to thank those members of the Revision

Committee who have worked hard and with dedication in their attempt to achieve the aims of the

General Synod to create something that offers a moment of transformation of historic proportions

in the life of the Church.

"At least no one can say that any stone has been left unturned” said Christina Rees, chair of

WATCH. "We now expect the very best legislation to be presented well in advance of the July

meeting of General Synod. We hope to see a clear, workable and straightforward set of proposals,

which are closely aligned to what Synod requested in July 2008, namely legislation making it possible

for women to be bishops within the existing structures of the Church. Perhaps all the extra time this

is taking will help the Revision Committee to reach the simplicity that lies beyond complexity.”

WATCH is pleased to see that the Bishop of Manchester, as Chair of the Steering Committee, is to

give February's Synod a report on the process so far and hopes that he will provide a full explanation

of the reasons for the delay. WATCH also hopes that he would agree that it would be unthinkable if

their report is not brought to the July 2010 meeting of General Synod. This matter is of such

ecclesial and public importance that should the Church fail to honour its decisions to allow women

to be bishops, especially as women account for nearly 40% of the Church's active clergy, it risks

becoming an object of ridicule. WATCH therefore hopes that the Bishop of Manchester will provide

assurances that the report will indeed be brought to the July 2010 meeting of General Synod without

suffering further prevarication and delay.

Further, WATCH believes it is now incumbent upon the Revision Committee to produce a

comprehensive report that will obviate the need for past models and options to be considered yet

again in July 2010. Along with doubtless many members of General Synod, WATCH would also

expect the Revision Committee's report to be available well in advance of the July meeting, so that

proper consideration and consultation may take place.

WATCH also hopes that the Business Committee will make every effort to ensure sufficient time

and flexibility is scheduled at the July Synod to complete all the stages necessary for the draft

legislation to be sent to the dioceses.

CONTACTS:

Christina Rees Revd Hugh Lee Revd Rachel Weir Revd Dr Charles Read

(Chair) (General Synod member) (Vice-Chair) (Vice-Chair)

01763-848-822 01865-316-245 07815-729-565 07910-128-265