The Church of England national assembly commonly referred to as General Synod is meeting today to vote on a legislation to allow the consecration of women as bishops.There must be a two-thirds majority in each of the three houses: bishops, clergy and laity for the vote to take place.The last attempt to secure Synod support for the consecration of women as bishops ended in closely-fought failure. The legislation had needed a two-thirds majority in each of the three houses of the General Synod to pass, but, despite comfortably managing that in both the houses of bishops and clergy, it was dealt a fatal blow in the laity, where lay members voted 132 votes in favour and 74 against. Supporters of change now believe they will have secured enough votes to win the vote this time. But there is still strong opposition to the proposal from some groups within the Church.Ugandan born John Sentamu, the archbishop of York is chairing the assembly.
Posted on: Mon, 14 Jul 2014 11:02:12 +0000