Over 1000 Anglican women around the country have signed a petition stating their opposition to a push for women bishops.
The petition, organised by Sydney-based group Equal But Different, was signed by women in 150 churches across 18 dioceses over July and August. It will be presented at General Synod this month where there will be a vote on the issue.
The group believes the move is contrary to the Bible’s teaching on gender roles, a departure from tradition and poses a threat to unity. “We want General Synod to know the depth of opposition to this unbiblical and divisive move,” a statement read.
But a spokesperson for the Sydney branch of the Movement for the Ordination of Women (MOW), Elaine Peterson, defended the action. “The Christian Right’s assertion of the doctrine of male headship has been contradicted by generations of modern biblical scholars, including those of impeccable evangelical credentials,” she said.
“It certainly will provide a change in traditional practice, but there are many issues on which the Church has changed over the last 2000 years as it has come to a new consensus on our understanding of the mind of God.”
The petition comes in the wake of an extensive letter writing campaign by MOW, who will present their case at General Synod in favour of the move.
Equal but Different spokesperson Claire Smith said a cry for liberty and diversity from those who want women bishops may sound biblical, “but in the face of the clear teaching of Scripture it is misguided”.
“Two opposing interpretations of the same Scripture cannot both be right. To ignore the consciences of all those committed to the biblical pattern of male leadership…will result in an intolerable restriction ... to engage in gospel ministry.”
Women can become Anglican bishops in New Zealand, the United States and Canada.
Lynda Pilot, a member of the parish of St George North, had not held a strong opinion “either way” until a recent sermon convinced her to sign the petition.
“I can’t see that women can lead a congregation with men in it if God has set up this model where men and women have different roles,” she said. “You react to [it] initially as a modern woman. [But] the Bible is the first authority. I’m a manager at my workplace, and that’s different.”