From Mr Martin Dales
Sir, - The five principles in the House of Bishops' Declaration
on Women in the Episcopate are, in my view, five 21st-century
additions to the Thirty-Nine Articles which should be signed up to
by all of us - bishops, priests, and people - to ensure that all
sides can continue, in a climate of trust, to flourish, and, in
doing so, find an acceptance of each other's theological positions,
as the Church of England is not a monochrome Church.
Perhaps the Church could reproduce them on a small card, so that
people can have a constant reminder of this new settlement.
MARTIN DALES
Priory Cottage, Old Malton
North Yorkshire YO17 7HB
From the Revd Jonathan Page
Sir, - Like many, I celebrated when the women-bishops Draft
Measure was passed by the General Synod last week (News 18
July). I was puzzled, however, by your selection of
photographs, all of which showed only women celebrating. One could
be forgiven for thinking that this was a victory for equal rights,
or a feminist triumph, rather than the long-awaited and welcome
completion of the episcopate.
JONATHAN PAGE
Christ Church Vicarage
Bridge Street, Belper
Derbyshire DE56 1BA