Sir: John Gummer's article contains inaccu- racies, one of which
needs correction straightaway.
He states that 'any reservations about the ordination of women would exclude [men] from the episcopate for ever', and he goes on to allege that the proposed legislation bans the appointment of orthodox bishops. That is not so. As to orthodoxy, the matter is handled by the searching procedures of the Crown Appointments Commission. As to reservations about the ordination of women, the current legislation actually pro- tects bishops (and others) from the sex dis- crimination laws.
Once the proposed legislation is enacted,
`At least we'll still have a roof over our heads.'
no newly appointed bishop will be com- pelled to ordain a woman. He would not be able to ignore the fact of women in the priesthood nor exclude them all from his diocese, but he would be under no require- ment himself to ordain women, and he is at liberty to have his reservations.
For some years while the Church of Eng- land has been moving towards the likeli- hood of women in the priesthood men opposed to such a development have been appointed bishops. That no doubt will carry on. I have the impression that in the House of Bishops, as in the Cabinet, we are not all yes-men: there are differences of view vig- orously expressed. Long may it continue!
+ Michael Guildford
Willow Grange, Woking Road, Guildford, Surrey
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