Wellesbourne vicar welcomes women bishops vote - The Leamington Observer

Wellesbourne vicar welcomes women bishops vote

Leamington Editorial 16th Jul, 2014 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

A VICAR in Wellesbourne has welcomed the Church of England opening the door to women bishops.

In a historic vote earlier this week, the church’s governing body backed legislation paving the way for women to become bishops. The first ever female bishop could be appointed by the end of the year.

Responding to the outcome, Rev Kate Mier, Vicar at St Peter’s in Wellesbourne, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the ministry of the Church of England will now be fully open to women and will benefit from the gift of all. I know many fantastic women in the church and it’s great it will now be enriched by having some of them as bishops.

“I actually think it is a really Christian move. It’s very Christian to break down barriers. We are all made in the image of god.




“It’s not about getting women into the top jobs – the clergy’s primary role is to love and serve and meet Christians. The top job is being a vicar in a parish – it is the coalface of what we do.”

Senior members of the Diocese of Coventry – which also represents Warwickshire – also welcomed the result of the vote.


In an open letter to church members, the Bishop of Coventry, the Right Rev Dr Christopher Cocksworth, said: “Today General Synod expressed the will of the Church of England that now is the time for the Church of England to receive the great gifts of women into the Church’s episcopal leadership and to do so in a way that everyone, whether they rejoice or regret this development, can live together in the strongest bonds of mutuality and reach out to the nation as one Church.”

And the Dean of Women’s Ministry in Coventry and Warwickshire, the Rev Canon Katrina Scott, said: “This is a great moment to celebrate men and women working together to serve God and our neighbours. Having women as bishops will help us as a whole church better represent God to the nation, and to one another.”

The legislation – which will require parliamentary approval before a final sign-off – includes scope for unconvinced parishes where a woman is appointed to ask for a male alternative and for taking disputes to an independent arbitrator.

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