EBD responds to Women bishops

This October when representatives meet in Perth at the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia the divisive issue of women bishops will be debated.

The innovation of women bishops is a controversial issue here in Australia and in the worldwide Anglican Communion because it is contrary to the Bible’s teaching about the different responsibilities of men and women in the church, is a departure from Anglican tradition, and poses a serious threat to the unity of the Anglican Church.

In past debates concerning the ordination of women to the priesthood, Equal but Different has facilitated statements opposing the move. In 1992 over 2000 signatories opposed the introduction of women to the priesthood in General Synod. Sadly, the legislation passed. In 1992 in the Sydney Synod a similar statement was presented with over 200 signatures and when the debate resurfaced in 1996, over 1300 women signed their names. Both times, the push to deny God’s intentions and introduce women priests, was defeated.

Now the issue of women bishops is before us. The consequences of this innovation are far-reaching, as the article ‘Women Bishops: the Final Divide’ explains. (Download an Adobe Acrobat pdf file of the article here)

We want General Synod to know the depth of opposition to this unbiblical and divisive move, so, together with the organisation Forward in Faith we are collecting signatures from as many women as possible (18 years and older), from as many different Anglican Churches as possible, in as many dioceses as possible.

It is our intention to present this signed statement at the General Synod, as a way of making known the deep opposition to the introduction of women bishops that is held amongst Anglican women throughout the Anglican Church of Australia.


Statement Opposing Women Bishops

In the light of Biblical teaching and the nature of the Episcopal role, we the undersigned, are opposed to legislation allowing the consecration of women as bishops. We ask the General Synod meeting in Perth, in October 2004, not to pass such legislation.