In July 2000, the General Synod of the Church of England passed a motion asking the House of Bishops to initiate further theological study on the episcopate, focusing on the issues that need to be addressed in preparation for the debate on women in the episcopate in the Church of England. This report is the result of that reflection. The report sets out as clearly and objectively as possible the options open to the Church of England in this matter and outlines the surrounding theological and practical issues. The report discusses: the background to the debate; the historical development of episcopacy; the parameters for a theologically responsible debate on women and the episcopate; the development of women's ministry; the timing - whether now is the right time to ordain women bishops; the theological and practical consequences of possible future options.

A collection of views on this debated issue A stimulating collection of purpose-written contributions on the issue of women bishops. The Church of England is debating whether to admit women to the episcopate. Many churches in the Anglican Communion have already done so - or have said that they will but have not yet elected or appointed any women as bishops. This book argues the case for women bishops by addressing the significance of scripture and tradition, issues of authority, the need for change, as well as the place of bishops in the church and the world. Contributors include the first female bishop in the Anglican Communion, as well as a range of bishops, other clergy and laypeople, male and female, from Africa, the USA, Australia, England, Scotland, and New Zealand, from the Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.

Women Bishops and Rhetorics of Shalom: A Whole Peace argues that the theological concept of shalom offers a way forward for progressive Christians who want to advocate for social justice based on their faith in an increasingly globalizing world characterized by many faiths. To do so, the book considers the rhetorical leadership of three women bishops who are all “firsts” in important ways: Marjorie Matthews, the first woman bishop in any mainline Post-Reformation church, Leontine Kelly, the first woman bishop of color in any mainline church, and Katharine Jefferts Schori, the first woman to lead a national church in the Anglican Communion. This book is recommended for scholars interested in communications, religious studies, and gender studies.

Why, since the Bible affirms that in Christ 'there is neither male nor female' (Galatians 3:28), do those who stress the importance of biblical orthodoxy in church life still object to the proposed women bishops legislation? This book was commissioned in January 2011 by a number of members of General Synod. Some are in favour of women priests and women bishops, some are not in favour, but all want to see the theological arguments being more fully explored, since these have not been adequately addressed in General Synod debates over the years. These Synod members also agree that a proper legal framework should be in place, to provide the security of an ongoing ministry in the Church of England for those who will not be able to accept the ministry of women bishops. So this book sets out the underlying theological arguments and presents the case for better, more secure provision. Contributors: Roger Beckwith, Sarah Finch, Michael Ovey, Charles Raven, Vinay Samuel, Chris Sugden and Anthony Thiselton

An immediate response to the failed move to allow women bishops in the Church of England

This book sets out the theological case for ordination of women bishops in the Church of England. In ‘Women as Bishops' a range of contributors argue that it is not only possible but desirable that women be ordained bishops in the Church, and that the Church of England has the competence to do so and should proceed now. Contributors to the book include Oxford theologians Dr Mark Chapman, Dr Charlotte Methuen and Dr Jane Shaw and also theologians from the Old Catholic and Methodist Churches as well as leading Roman Catholic proponent for women's ordination, Dr John Wijngaards. Separate chapters deal specifically with the criticisms raised by the Roman Catholic bishops of England and Wales and conservative anglo-catholics. So far the debate has lacked a clear, positive voice from a Catholic perspective in favour of women bishops. We hope that this book redresses that balance. The publication comes at a crucial time after the General Synod of the Church of England has decided to proceed towards the consecration of women bishops.