Madam, – The statement that “there has been little discussion to date on the issue of women bishops” in the Church of Ireland (Editorial, July 16th) overlooks the fact that the issue was resolved in 1990 in favour of the admission of women as priests and bishops after careful consideration in the General Synod. The words “and bishops” had been added to the terms of reference of the Select Committee on the Ordination of Women in 1988 and Synod was given the opportunity through an amendment that was put down in 1990 to decide whether it wished to take the priesthood and episcopate successively or together.
By a large majority it was decided to take them together and the bill for both was passed by the requisite majorities. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – It is reported that while the Church of England is making progress towards the ordination of female bishops, the traditionalists are demanding access to a class of male bishop who had never ordained a woman (World News, July 13th). Also, it seems to have been accepted that local arrangements should be made for Anglicans wanting to exempt themselves from female leadership. Are we living in the dark ages?
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Roman Catholic Church is, in my opinion, still light-years behind. It is not yet even in discussion on the greater equality of inclusion of women in the leadership of the church. Why do we females, being by far the greater number of the faithful, continue to accept this ridiculous situation?
We need to stand up and be counted. I say hats off to the younger generation who are leaving in their droves and finding their own spirituality elsewhere. More of us should join them, then maybe our so-called leadership will wake up and take notice. – Yours, etc,