Bishop delighted by Synod vote on women bishops

The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev. David Walker

The Bishop of Manchester, The Rt Revd David Walker, welcomes the decision of General Synod to set in motion proposals to push through women bishops in the Church of England.

Bishop David said: "As most of you will have heard, the General Synod has met to discuss new proposals that would allow women to be ordained as bishops in the church of England. I am especially grateful for all of you who held our deliberations in your prayers. I am extremely heartened by the fact that only a handful of Synod members voted against the motions following debate.

I am even more delighted that support for the way we are now looking to progress matters was expressed from across a very wide range of traditions, including by members from our own diocese. Instead of the detailed and complex legislation we had before us a year ago, we are now looking at something much simpler. Crucially, this will be backed up with robust provisions, including a House of Bishops’ Declaration and an Independent Reviewer, to enable the continued flourishing of the diversity that so enriches us as a Church.

Synod has approved a fast track procedure that could lead to diocesan consultation before Easter 2014 and a final vote as early as July. A number of Synod members have already remarked to me that the deep distress experienced on all sides just 12 months ago may prove to have been a price well worth paying for getting us to a resolution which the vast majority of us will be able to accept and work within, as we fulfil our call to mission."