Open meeting re women bishops

The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Revd Nigel McCulloch

Following on from the recent vote at General Synod on women Bishops, and Bishop of Manchester Nigel McCulloch's subsequent Pastoral Message to the clergy and congregations of the diocese, the Diocese is holding an Open Meeting at St Paul’s Kersal, on Thursday 13 December, from 7.30 to 9.00pm.

A spoeksman for the Dicoese said: "As was acknowledged in the Bishop’s message, ‘there are no winners from the debate’, but, we are acutely aware that many people – lay and ordained – are feeling and expressing considerable hurt and disappointment.

"We recognise it is short notice, but having taken soundings from people of differing viewpoints on this matter, we believe there is some urgency to offer this opportunity of coming together, in the context of worship, and for any individuals who wish to, to briefly express their response to the outcome of the vote.

"We would be grateful if this could be made known as widely as possible over this coming weekend, and in the words of the Collect for the 13 December, when the Church honours Lucy, martyr at Syracuse in 304, that as we come together, listen to and honour one another, ‘by the healing power of the Saviour’s cross... we may by the purity of our lives, reflect the light of Christ, and by the merits of his passion come to the light of everlasting life.’"