November 7, 2011 10.08 am This story is over 148 months old

Lincoln Church to allow female bishops from 2014

Women bishops: The diocese of Lincoln believe women have a right to become bishops as well.
The Archdeacon of Stow and Lindsey, the Venerable Jane Sinclair, is the most senior woman in the local diocese

Women will now be allowed to become bishops thanks to a vote in favour by the Lincoln Diocesan Synod.

While the Church of England General Synod has no theological reason to disallow women to be consecrated as bishops, each diocese has been asked to vote on a draft to set the rule in place.

A majority of dioceses must vote in favour of the action before it is voted for by the General Synod.

On Saturday, November 6, Lincoln became one of the many diocese voting in favour. The earliest of woman could be consecrated a bishop would be in 2014.

The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend Christopher Lowson, believes that it is important to deal with controversial issues within the Church.

“This is a hugely significant area of discussion for the Church, and I thank members of Synod for engaging in such a thoughtful and robust debate,” he said.

“It is important that we have collegial and respectful discussions, even when we don’t necessarily agree with each other.”

The Archdeacon of Stow and Lindsey, the Venerable Jane Sinclair, is the most senior woman in the Diocese of Lincoln.

She said: “This resolution is important because the national Church must be for everyone.

“There is a place for everyone in the Church, including those who disagree with women bishops, and passing this resolution is a step in the right direction.”

The votes will be passed to the General Synod for consideration in July 2012. To be approved, the action requires a two thirds majority of the Houses of Bishops, Clergy and Laity.

Source: Diocese of Lincoln