From Mr N. J. Inkley
Sir, - I would not have any concern about the reduced
consultation period allowed to diocesan synods if I felt that there
was a better knowledge abroad of what they are being asked to
agree, with regard to the introduction of women bishops. It seems
to me that this time round there is a most remarkable lack of
detail on the future modus operandi: rather, "Let's do it and sort
out the detail afterwards."
One small example: I was quite surprised to read in your account
of Synod that the PEV sees will continue as suffragan, albeit not
for PEVs. What sort of suffragans will these be? Will future
appointments to these suffragan sees be traditionalists, or just
suffragans in the round? Might future appointments to them be
women? I expect someone "reckons" to know the answer to this, but
does the Church at large?
We know the principle being pursued, of course, but we are very
short on the "how".
NEIL INKLEY
6 Knot Lane, Walton-le-Dale
Preston PR5 4BQ
From Mrs Anne Foreman
Sir, - In the debate on the women-bishops legislation (Synod, 21 February), Canon Tim Allen referred
to the ever lengthening queue facing the Crown Nominations
Commission of dioceses preparing the search for a new bishop. His
comment that "the shallow pond of male-only candidates has been
over-fished" was greeted with laughter.
Now, I am all in favour of some laughter at the Synod: it does
help oil the wheels; but I would like to assure Canon Allen that
the "shallow pond", far from being over-fished, is still
wonderfully full. As a long-time supporter of WATCH, I look forward
to seeing women swim in that same pond, but they will be there to
fulfil their own vocation to episcopal ministry, not because of a
perceived dearth of suitable men.
Having had the privilege of serving on the Crown Nominations
Commission recently, my experience, shared with colleagues, was of
a long list of some truly excellent candidates, resulting in a
shortlist of exceptional men. Exeter diocese is now eagerly
awaiting, and praying for, one of those exceptional men, Bishop
Robert Atwell, as he prepares to come among us in the West
Country.
I would like to assure Mr Allen that if, by the time the CNC
queue gets to St Edmundsbury & Ipswich, there are women
candidates swimming alongside men, he will have a challenging
shortlisting task facing him. And doubtless the catch will be a
fine one.
ANNE FOREMAN
5 St Leonards Road
Exeter EX2 4LA