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| Background on the challenges facing the new archbishop | Background on the challenges facing the new archbishop |
| (about 1 month later) | |
| I suppose the reaction of some of my fellow readers to the fact that Justin Welby was educated at Eton is inevitable (Letters, 10 November), but it is, it seems to me, to be born out of the type of prejudice that they would justifiably condemn elsewhere. I cannot see that his education should debar him from the office of archbishop any more than the fact that a candidate has had a state education should either debar or qualify them for the post. Moreover, if it be suggested that his education somehow influenced his appointment, it would seem to be an unwarranted slur on those responsible for putting Bishop Welby's name forward, and it might be recalled that both the present archbishop and his predecessor were educated at state schools. | I suppose the reaction of some of my fellow readers to the fact that Justin Welby was educated at Eton is inevitable (Letters, 10 November), but it is, it seems to me, to be born out of the type of prejudice that they would justifiably condemn elsewhere. I cannot see that his education should debar him from the office of archbishop any more than the fact that a candidate has had a state education should either debar or qualify them for the post. Moreover, if it be suggested that his education somehow influenced his appointment, it would seem to be an unwarranted slur on those responsible for putting Bishop Welby's name forward, and it might be recalled that both the present archbishop and his predecessor were educated at state schools. |
| Finally, it does not follow that to have been educated at Eton or any other major public school necessarily prevents personal humility and care for society in an individual any more than a state education can prevent personal arrogance and lack of social care in someone. People do not always conform to stereotype. Consequently, should we not judge Bishop Welby as we would all (I assume) wish ourselves to be judged: by his actions and words, rather than on assumptions as to the effect of his early education? David Hadfield Forest Row, East Sussex | Finally, it does not follow that to have been educated at Eton or any other major public school necessarily prevents personal humility and care for society in an individual any more than a state education can prevent personal arrogance and lack of social care in someone. People do not always conform to stereotype. Consequently, should we not judge Bishop Welby as we would all (I assume) wish ourselves to be judged: by his actions and words, rather than on assumptions as to the effect of his early education? David Hadfield Forest Row, East Sussex |
| • The debate at synod is not about yes or no to women bishops, but about the legislation which not only brings about the ordination of women to the episcopate, but is intended to create proper provision for those who, in conscience and with theological and scriptural conviction, cannot accept the sacramental ministry of women. As it stands, as a member of the general synod, I will have no option but to vote against it. | • The debate at synod is not about yes or no to women bishops, but about the legislation which not only brings about the ordination of women to the episcopate, but is intended to create proper provision for those who, in conscience and with theological and scriptural conviction, cannot accept the sacramental ministry of women. As it stands, as a member of the general synod, I will have no option but to vote against it. |
| The strength of the Church of England is as a broad church; that surely is the aspiration of the majority of its members and it is crucial that the provisions sought by many traditionalists should express this character. It is now time for some honesty as it seeks to define and finalise the legislation. The synod claims that those, who in conscience cannot accept the sacramental ministry of ordained women, hold a legitimate theological position. Yet after years of wrestling with the provisions, we still have legislation which signally fails to substantiate this. | The strength of the Church of England is as a broad church; that surely is the aspiration of the majority of its members and it is crucial that the provisions sought by many traditionalists should express this character. It is now time for some honesty as it seeks to define and finalise the legislation. The synod claims that those, who in conscience cannot accept the sacramental ministry of ordained women, hold a legitimate theological position. Yet after years of wrestling with the provisions, we still have legislation which signally fails to substantiate this. |
| This is not simply an issue of equality; surely all of us can commit to equality of gender in areas of social, political and economic life, consonant with the social teaching of the Christian church. Nevertheless, the difficulty for Anglican Catholics and conservative evangelicals remains that ordination is not simply about function, but about a complex system of symbol, representation or scriptural evidence. | This is not simply an issue of equality; surely all of us can commit to equality of gender in areas of social, political and economic life, consonant with the social teaching of the Christian church. Nevertheless, the difficulty for Anglican Catholics and conservative evangelicals remains that ordination is not simply about function, but about a complex system of symbol, representation or scriptural evidence. |
| Fundamentally, at the core of this debate is how the church moves forward to ordain women as bishops, at the same time holding together all those with differing theological and scriptural convictions. The Church of England is entirely capable of ensuring that all can coexist. For these reasons I earnestly hope that it is not too late to find a better solution to secure the long-term health, unity and mission of the Church of England, where we are better together. Richard Mantle General synod member; general director, Opera North | Fundamentally, at the core of this debate is how the church moves forward to ordain women as bishops, at the same time holding together all those with differing theological and scriptural convictions. The Church of England is entirely capable of ensuring that all can coexist. For these reasons I earnestly hope that it is not too late to find a better solution to secure the long-term health, unity and mission of the Church of England, where we are better together. Richard Mantle General synod member; general director, Opera North |
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