Women Ordinands

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Church Commissioners – in the House of Commons at 10:30 am on 20 March 2008.

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Photo of Stuart Bell Stuart Bell Second Church Estates Commissioner 10:30, 20 March 2008

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his reference to those historical events. This is the first Maundy Thursday that we have had Church Commissioners questions, and I wish you, Mr. Speaker, and the House a happy Easter.

General Synod has already agreed that the legal obstacles to the ordination of women bishops can be removed, and a legislative drafting group, chaired by the Bishop of Manchester, is trying to identify possible ways of doing that, including arrangements for those who are conscientiously unable to accept the ministry of women bishops. It has consulted widely. We hope that the General Synod will refer to the matter again in its July meeting.