C.of E.: Archbishops' Amendments and first reactions

The Archbishops' draft amendments (published today but announced earlier)

DRAFT BISHOPS AND PRIESTS (CONSECRATION AND ORDINATION OF WOMEN) MEASURE


Draft amendments to omit reference to delegation

Co-ordinate Jurisdiction

Clause 2
1. In subsection (1) leave out the words "way of delegation to".
2. After subsection (1) insert –
"(2) The episcopal ministry referred to in subsections (1), (3) and (5) shall be exercisable by virtue of this section and shall not divest the bishop of the diocese of any of his or her functions.

Clause 5
In section 5(1)(b), at the end, insert the words "and, in particular, arrangements for co-ordinating the exercise of episcopal ministry under section 2(1), (3) and (5) by the bishop of the diocese and any other bishop who exercises episcopal ministry in accordance with those subsections".

+Rowan Cantuar +Sentamu Ebor

Here are a few reactions:

A STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE CATHOLIC GROUP IN GENERAL SYNOD


We welcome the publication of these amendments by the Archbishops and recognise that they may provide a framework for a way forward for the Church of England.
Their availability in advance of General Synod next week will enable all Members of the Synod to evaluate, consult, reflect and prayerfully consider the implications of the amendments.
There are a number of areas of uncertainty, including the need for all bishops to be real leaders in mission and ministry. It is also vital that we are able to hold a principled theological position, looking to the faith and order of the undivided Church.
We are grateful for the recognition of the need for bishops with jurisdiction in their own right to minister to all those faithful Anglicans who in conscience cannot accept the ministry of women priests and bishops.
We look forward with interest to the debates on these and other amendments which seek to provide a way forward for the Church of England."

And earlier reaction from F i.F  &  FCA

"Forward in Faith warmly welcomes today’s Statement from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and now looks forward with great interest to seeing the precise texts of the amendments to the Draft Measure which they will propose to the General Synod next month."
(FIF - 21st June)

"We welcome your intervention in the run up to the General Synod debate on the Women Bishops' measure and its helpful recognition of the need to address the issue of jurisdiction by means of a 'nominated bishop' arrangement. This certainly represents a significant improvement on the current draft of the measure but there are some aspects which are unclear to us. To secure the honoured future of those who in conscience cannot accept the ministry of women bishops, there will need to be further elaboration as to their powers of ordination, appointment and licensing. There also needs to be further elaboration on how consistency between the dioceses will be achieved. A scheme that derives authority from the whole church should have arrangements also provided by the church as a whole. As you will be aware there is much interest amongst us in the concept of a mission society. We are continuing to explore this concept which, if carefully crafted, will provide the necessary fellowship for the bishops, clergy and people so affected, would give much of what is necessary in a clearly Church of England framework, and provide a strong impetus for mission." (The Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans - 24th June)