Iris Murdoch fights 'flying bishops' plan
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The philosopher and novelist, Dame Iris Murdoch, has urged the Church of England to reject compromise with the opponents of women priests.
She is one of nearly 500 signatories to an advertisement in the Church Times urging the General Synod to oppose a proposed 'Act of Synod' which entrenches the right of opponents not to believe that women can be priests and promises to supply them with like-minded bishops.
Other signatories include the Rev Chad Varah, founder of the Samaritans, and Bishop Peter Selby, once Bishop of Kingston. Dr Selby, and the Dean of Winchester, the Most Rev Trevor Beeson, are the most senior signatories. All present members of the House of Bishops have united behind the proposed Act, though several are cynical in private about its prospects.
After women are ordained priests in the spring of next year, about 1,000 of the Church's 10,000 clergy will probably refuse to accept the decision.
Few will become Roman Catholics; only about 150 priests are expected to leave the Church of England.
Most opponents who find that their diocesan bishop is in favour of women priests will transfer their allegiance to specially consecrated suffragan bishops who will officially be known as 'Provincial Episcopal Visitors'and popularly as 'flying bishops'.
The Church Times advertisement was produced by two of the more radical members of the Movement for the Ordination of Women, Mrs Margaret Orr Deas, and Monica Furlong, the novelist. They had appealed for 2,000 signatures and blamed the lower number on intimidation by their opponents.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments