Church of England Dioceses Voting on Women Priests
Episcopal News Service. February 21, 1992 [92051A]
A statistical report submitted to the Church of England's General Synod meeting in February indicated that 38 of the church's 44 dioceses have voted in favor of the ordination of women. The report revealed that over two thirds of the laity and somewhat fewer of the clergy now favor women priests. However, 21 of the dioceses voting in favor fell short of the two-thirds majority that will be required in November when the synod takes its deciding vote on the issue. "Nearly 7,000 [people] took part in diocesan synod voting..., so these figures carry real weight," said David McLean, chairman of the synod's House of Laity. In June, the House of Bishops will forge a final draft of the legislation, and the General Synod will debate the issue in July.