From the Revd Diana Penny
Sir, - The best way to get on with
colleagues with whom you have differences over the validity of the
ordination of women is to take as many opportunities as possible to
work together, and to keep talking to each other and praying
together.
Is it likely that our Lord will bless
us in our lives and our witness when we denigrate those who have
also received the call "Follow me"? Let us be united in our desire
to love and serve our Lord, despite our divisions.
It is absolutely vital that before the
next General Synod there should be an upsurge in prayer by all
parties for clarity of guidance and leadership in the adjourned
debate.
Let our prayer be for the gift of
gracious love and concern for each other, and the will to work
together to discern the way forward for all of the groups who are
divided on this.
DIANA E. PENNY
Hibiscus, 33 Church Drove
Outwell, Wisbech, Cambs PE14 8RH
From the Revd Patrick
Davies
Sir, - The Archbishop of Canterbury
was reported to be sorry that he and his fellow bishops had
mis-judged their attempted compromise amendments. These amendments,
small though they are, were aimed at offering some hope to
traditionalists. The General Synod instead wants the House of
Bishops to look again at these amendments.
I am sure that the Archbishop and
bishops are equally sorry for the continuing hurt felt by loyal
Anglicans who are left wondering whether we are wanted in the
Church.
Traditionalists have yielded ground
many times, acknowledging that it is the will of the majority of
the Church of England to admit women to all levels of ordained
ministry. We traditionalists recognise that we will never seek nor
attain the highest offices in the Church of England. We need the
bare minimum that will allow us to remain and take our full part in
the life of the Church of England.
A Code of Practice is open to the
interpretation of local bishops, and can be "here today and
modified and gone tomorrow". That gives us no confidence.
May I urge everyone who wishes
traditionalists to remain and flourish with dignity to lobby their
bishops, asking that proper provision will be provided. Ask your
bishops not to go back on their amendment, but rather to seek ways
such that Anglo-Catholics and conservative Evangelicals have a
secure and honoured place in the Church of England.
PATRICK DAVIES
296 Wilbraham Road
Manchester M21 OUU
From Penelope Fletcher
Sir, - When the ordination of women
first appeared on the agenda, I was vehemently opposed. So much so,
that I was asked to speak publicly against it. For some reason, I
found that I could not agree to do so.
This led to a long period of
reflection and self-examination. I found, greatly to my surprise,
that my opposition had very little to do with theology, and a great
deal to do with my early schooldays, when I suffered under a
sadistic headmistress.
As a child, I determined that I would
refuse to grant any woman authority over me. The teachers who
inspired me were male; the people I worked for were male; the
priest who prepared me for confirmation, and showed me the joy of
Christianity, was male. The realisation that my opposition was to
do with my own experiences and not theology led to a change of
mind.
PENELOPE FLETCHER
35 The Pentlands
Kintbury, Hungerford
Berkshire RG17 9XB