As I have mentioned on this site before, I am a member of the Church of England. I know of course that the church's affairs do not interest everyone and I have seen in recent times that posts that are not directly and entirely about politics seem to upset some who choose to read them for some reason. So - if you're not interested in the current arguments about women bishops raging in the C of E, look away now.
I suppose it is obvious that in many aspects of life I am a conservative. I value duty and sacrifice over glamour, fashion, the new-found conventions of the politically correct day. I love our heritage in this country. I love tradition, and love the church's traditions. I loathe much of the trendy new language injected into services (and I loathe the silly logo I've shared with you above). I cherish the unbroken continuity of practice that links me via shared rites and prayers with my forefathers. Indeed, and perhaps this is a characteristically English trait, I often find myself much more moved by such things than I do by conventional sentimentality or by the mawkish moments of emotion that our newspapers tell us have captured the "national mood." So in many respects I am a traditionalist and a conservative in the Church of England. But I see no reason not to have women bishops.
First, I see no genuine Biblical objection. Those cited seem to me to be spurious - so spurious that one wonders at the motives of the otherwise thoughtful people offering them. Furthermore, if such an objection truly exists it would presumably have been irrevocably breached by the ordination of women priests. I cannot fathom the logic of those who accept women priests - from whom we in the laity receive guidance and teaching - but not women bishops. The big decision on this issue was taken some time ago, when it was rightly decided that women can be priests. The principle was decided then and the issue of women bishops inevitably flows naturally and consequentially from that.
Secondly, and this is or ought to be obvious but in the context of this discussion it does need to be said, I think that there is nothing that impairs women in taking up leadership positions. Indeed, when I was growing up I was fortunate enough to benefit from the ministry of the late Marion Mingins at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, whose gentle, thoughtful care touched the lives of many, and who went on to serve as a Chaplain to the Queen. Those who have come first in the new development of women priests have done the clergy proud - so it can hardly be said that the obvious precedent for women bishops (women priests) is bad.
I do not wish to see the Church pulled apart. I realise the deep-felt emotions held by those who disagree with me. I find this difficult, because in taking this position I find myself on opposite sides to old friends and people I like and respect. But I think that there really isn't any other proper position for one to take and I think that the debate is very important, so... there we are.