Editorial: Speaking for England

To many believers, the conscientious scruple with which the Church of England conducts its internal debates is a living affirmation of its cherished cultures of reflection and tolerance. To others, the process is simply the Anglican church at its dithering, long-winded worst, behaving in ways which invite parody and attract mockery. Yet even those who deride the ways of the church must admit that the General Synod has at last acted decisively over the issue of women bishops this week. Faced with a serious and long-lasting division of conscience over the issue, the synod in York took a clear stand, throwing out a compromise motion and, though the vote was closer among the laity, opting by more than a two-thirds majority overall to press ahead next year with legislation to consecrate women bishops. The church has tried hard to... [read full story]