From Lord Blair of Boughton
Sir, - The Lords Spiritual (Women) Bill now leaves Parliament
to await Royal Assent. The Bishops in the Lords, and many members
of both Houses of Parliament, gave strong support, seeing this as
an urgent matter.
Now is a good time to reflect also on Black and Asian enrichment
of the Church of England. It is good to affirm the enrichment that
has taken place. But there remains a concern - voiced again from
among the Lords Temporal in the Second Reading debate - that the
enrichment is not yet being adequately matched by appointments to
senior positions in the Church, including bishoprics.
The procedures agreed in the Lords Spiritual (Women) Bill
provide a telling example that where there is a will, a way will be
found.
Blair of Boughton
House of Lords
London SW1A 0PW