Although Europe’s diocesan synod voted on the legislation to allow women to become bishops in June, it is the Bishop’s Council which makes the official decision for the diocese.
The Bishop’s Council has now held its debate, and here are the votes on the main motion in favour of the legislation.
For Against Abstentions Bishops 0 2 0 Clergy 10 4 0 Laity 6 3 1
As in all these debates it is the votes in the houses of clergy and laity that count, so Europe has voted in favour of the legislation.
There is a report of the debate on the diocesan website: Diocese in Europe agrees Women Bishops legislation.
This also gives details of a following motion asking for more provision for opponents; voting was 13 in favour, 10 against with 3 abstentions.
Has the Governor of the Church of England just expressed her views on women’ bishops? The monarch said at the opening of a major summit of the 53 Commonwealth countries in Perth, Australia: ‘The theme this year is Women As Agents of Change. It reminds us of the potential in our societies that is yet to be fully unlocked and it encourages us to find ways to allow all girls and women to play their full part. ‘We must continue to strive in our own countries and across the Commonwealth together to promote that theme in a lasting way beyond… Read more »