The synod of the Church of England will hold a vote for women bishops on Monday.
The vote will take place in Central Hall, where the final decision will be made.
Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, is tipped to be the first female bishop, if the legislation is passed – and has labelled a yes vote ‘a miracle’.
Hudson-Wilkin said: “If this happens then we will be getting a church that truly reflects the people of God and truly reflects what it means to be the body of Christ – male and female together in leadership.”
There has been much controversy over the issue, after the last vote in 2012 where the attempt failed after six votes.
The Archbishop has also said the movement has “moved from a rule-based approach to a principle-based approach” in hopes to get a positive result for equality of women in the Church of England.
Despite the Archbishop of Canterbury backing the vote, still being there is still speculation that a yes vote may fracture the church system – with deep debates from many members over the matter already persisting.
Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.
(1 Timothy 2:11-14 ESV)
Anyone who takes the Bible seriously should reject women’s ordination. Some will say, ‘Oh the prohibition of women’s ordination was merely cultural’ – but clearly, in the passage I gave above, the reason is theological and not cultural.
Does this mean men and women are not equal? Well, no. Scripture tells us that men and women are of equal value. Both have a part to play in church life. Having distinct roles does not mean inequality – in the same way that a minister does not rank above his congregation.
Here’s a good article:
http://www.fiec.org.uk/what-we-do/strand-blog/women-in-church-leadership