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Women-bishops debate: time to be gracious

by
01 February 2013

iStock

From Celia Bush
Sir, - I note, in your report (News, 25 January) on the debate on a motion of no confidence in the chairman of the House of Laity, Dr Philip Giddings, that Stephen Barney castigated Dr Giddings for "failing to support the views of the House of Bishops and both Archbishops".

Had the House of Clergy fully supported the "Archbishops' amendments" in the first place, we would not be in the mess we are now. The House of Laity supported the views of both Archbishops and the House of Bishops at the time.

I, for one, am very glad that Dr Giddings was not voted down for expressing his opinions as an individual lay person in Synod, as he had every right to do, and that the Archbishop of Canterbury-elect so graciously acknowledged this.

Would that everybody else in this whole debate could be equally gracious.

CELIA BUSH
169 Humber Doucy Lane
Ipswich IP4 3PA

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