The proposed revision of Canon III.8.1, making mandatory the ministry of ordained women in every diocese [p. 13], could bring to fulfillment the legislation adopted more than 20 years ago, when General Convention decided women could be ordained to the priesthood and the episcopate. The 72nd General Convention, which meets in Philadelphia next month, could make canonically illegal what it once officially taught.

The intent of the resolution is to make the ordination process accessible to all, particularly in the four dioceses in which women currently are not being ordained as priests or licensed to officiate. The forced compliance aspect of this legislation makes it particularly difficult to accept. It is un-Anglican, a major separation from nearly all of the churches of the Anglican Communion, and a departure from the belief of catholic Christianity. It would appear as though the Episcopal Church, based upon the 20-year experience of ordained women, is willing to cast aside more than 400 years of Anglican faith and order.

We hear of a mellowing on this resolution by some members of the House of Bishops, and of some politicking by a group of ordained women who are attempting to influence defeat of the legislation. However, it should be kept in mind that the bishops adopted a "mind of the house" resolution in 1995, that "it is the mind of this house that Canon III.8.1 is mandatory in all dioceses of this church." We expect that the two resolutions on this topic will be adopted easily in the House of Deputies, where many of its members are treating this as a "justice" issue.

Our hope is that somehow this legislation will be defeated. In the spirit of Anglicanism, this church should be tolerant, even inclusive, enough to permit a small minority of its members' theological objections to be acceptable. During the past 20 years, the Holy Spirit has enabled minds to be changed, and dioceses to accept ordained women. Over time, the same thing can happen in the remaining four dioceses.