Almost buried by the avalanche of publicity surrounding the resolution on sexuality adopted by the Lambeth Conference [p. 6] was a piece of legislation on the ordination of women. With little fanfare, the bishops of the Anglican Communion approved a resolution which protects the conscience of those persons who cannot accept the ordination of women as priests and bishops. While there were disagreements and differences of opinion, about 80 percent of the bishops voted in favor of the amended resolution, which states that bishops should not be compelled to ordain or license women.

It is interesting to note that the Lambeth Conference was able to deal with this resolution smoothly, civilly, and in less than a day. One can only wish the Episcopal church had shown that kind of tolerance when it dealt with similar resolutions at the last two General Conventions. Instead of rejoicing in Anglican comprehensiveness and diversity, the American church decided to force its members to comply. The bishops have shown the rest of the Anglican Communion what it means to be Anglican.