In what way does the possession of male genitalia make you a better bishop?

[sp1814]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20415689

Seriously - what's the big deal with appointing women as bishops?

And for that matter - is there any chance of a female Dr Who???

[dotty.]

i've just read about his life and family , he wrote the dedication in my confirmation bible, not sure that i remember a great deal about the actual service but we had been to classes for 6 weeks previously and it was quite a long winded thing, then we had rehearsals, i can;t remember what i wore either, but i think it was a pale pink crimpelene tight fitted mini dress with white lace cuffs and ruff at the neck, remember that style? very top of the pops!

[RATTER15]

Why dont they abide by their Bible where it clearly states that no woman shall teach.

They should either abide by their book of god or dismiss it as nonsense as a whole!

[emmie]

ratter, they like to cherry pick the best bits for themselves, and throw the scraps to women.

[sp1814]

I like em10's suggestion of a separate wing of the CofE led by women.

Less dogma, better organised (because female church leaders would be better at multitasking) and the very real chance of the ordination of Dawn French.

[anotheoldgit]

The majority on here couldn't care less judging by some of the answers they have given and quite right too, if one isn't particular religious, (or even an atheist as some say they are) what does it matter?

The Church of England General Synod have voted against the appointment of women Bishops, so why should it affect anyone except to those involved in such Church matters?

[sp1814]

AOG

Because the CofE is our national church, so what it decides is of interest to us.

It's the same as, say the new rules of royal succession don't affect us, but they are of interest to us.

[woofgang]

that's the point sp. The C of E sits in the House of Lords and is the Established (official) Church of the UK. If they want to take all their own decisions then they should relinquish that right. While they have a voice by right in how the UK is run then they have a responsibility to consider the opinion of all of the UK, not just their own.

[sp1814]

Hear hear woofgang.

(Never thought of the House of Lords aspect).

[New Judge]

What I find intriguing about this matter is why any woman would want to be involved with an organisation that is so clearly prejudiced against them. It's like women who put up with only being allowed "associate" membership of golf clubs, but still belong to the club (as second classs members). Very puzzling. I don't know why women (both clergy and leity) don't just tell the Church to stick their outdated prejudices where the sun doesn't shine, cut their ties with the organisation and get on with their lives.

On a more serious note I believe that legislation is needed to allow women bishops. What I cannot understand is why the situation which prevents women becoming bishops was not challenged long ago under Equality legislation. What other organisation would get away with saying to women "We'll let you work for us as a clerk (and we only allowed that a fairly short time ago) but if you want promotion to manager, forget it".

Priceless!

[RATTER15]

AOG, Im an atheist, I didnt say it did matter! I dont really give a hoot who preaches all these lies, it doesnt stop me having an opinion.

[RATTER15]

//What I cannot understand is why the situation which prevents women becoming bishops was not challenged long ago under Equality legislation.//

Would equality legislation work in the instance of religion where it goes against the very core of their faith. I dont understand why a Woman would want to go against the word of the bible to preach the good of the bible, its all madness!!!

[sp1814]

New Judge

That's the core of my question really. Where does the church ruling actually come from? Is it from teachings in the Bible? I know there's some pretty 'way out' (by our modern standards) views held within the Bible, but if the CofE can accept women vicars, then surely that's forms a precedent for women bishops?

[ichkeria]

The C of E actually overwhelmingly supports women bishops. The problem is the unrepresentative nature of the General Synod. To an outsider the arguments against seem ridiculous. I suspect this travesty will be overturned sooner rather than later

[mushroom25]

i suspect any justification for this based on definitions in the bible would be on ground as shaky as an assertion that marriage = 1 man and 1 woman. the bible variously defines marriage - as above, plus 1 man and many women, 1 man and 1 goat, and so on....

[jno]

just not quite overwhelmingly enough, ichekria: 6 votes short, because of the requirement for a two-thirds majority. I don't have a problem with a more-than-50% requirement on major changes, but here it was just too much.

[THECORBYLOON]

Anotheoldgit, do you think the decision is correct?

[Bazile]

1 Timothy 2:11-14
Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

But I suffer not (do not allow) a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence

1 Corinthians 14:34-35
Let your women keep silence (to hold their peace) in the churches: for it is not permitted (given liberty) unto them to speak (preach, speak); but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

[anotheoldgit]

THECORBYLOON

/// Anotheoldgit, do you think the decision is correct? ///

Not being a member of the Church of England's aristocracy it matters not to me, even if it was only women Bishops they had, it still would not.

There have never been women Bishops in the Church of England, and the church has functioned perfectly well without them, just has there have never been female Monks or male Nuns.

Nor does it matter if we have a King or Queen, or that only one particular gender is only allowed to be the sovereign.

Or the fact that the chairperson of the local golf club is exclusively male or female, if one is not a member.

A question I would wish to ask all ABers who seem 'up in arms' over this, should there also be female Imams?

[emmie]

NJ, totally agree, as Groucho Marx said i wouldn't want to join any club that would have me as a member, may not be verbatim but roughly it.

[McMouse]

Male genitalia are a curse and possession of such should disqualify anyone from being ordained. Would be a blessing for young children and choirboys.