The Diocese of Perth has announced the consecration of a woman bishop after a meeting of bishops formulated protocols to provide alternative arrangements for those who object to such consecrations on biblical grounds.

The protocols were unanimously agreed to by all Australian bishops following a long but constructive debate during the bishops’ annual meeting in Newcastle this week.

The Diocese of Perth has now announced the consecration of Kay Goldsworthy on May 22nd.

In adopting the "Women in the Episcopate" protocol the bishops recognised "the good faith" of those in the church who support the new development of women bishops and of those who find that they cannot do so.

They resolved to "nurture the highest possible level of collegiality as bishops" in the future.

The bishops agreed to make special provision in situations where the ministry of a woman bishop would not be welcome.

Although there was a ruling on the legality of women bishops last year, the Bishops had agreed at their last annual meeting not to move ahead on consecrating women to the episcopate until they had met this year to discuss the issue further.

The Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Peter Jensen says “I’m pleased that there has been considerable goodwill during the formation of these protocols. Action was needed to protect the consciences of those who believe, as we do, that the consecration of women bishops is against biblical teaching. There are strongly-held convictions which separate us but we have endeavoured to find a way forward with courtesy and respect.”

The Anglican Church League President Dr Mark Thomson says the action by the Perth diocese adds a new level of difficulty to the relationship between the various dioceses in the Anglican Church of Australia and raises a series of significant issues of conscience for those committed to living out the teaching of Scripture.