Episcopal Press and News

Scottish Anglicans Discuss the Ordination of Women

Episcopal News Service. March 17, 1993 [93049K]

The seven diocesan synods of the Scottish Episcopal Church recently began preliminary discussions about the ordination of women to the priesthood. Under consideration is legislation which would amend a canon of the church to provide that the term presbyter (priest) "shall be deemed to include both male and female." A statement signed by all seven synods described the extent of the legislation, noting that women bishops are not under consideration, that no bishop will be required to ordain or authorize a woman priest, and that no congregation will have a woman priest imposed on it. "Where individuals cannot in good faith accept the sacramental ministrations of a woman, other than for a baptism," the statement said, "an acceptable priest will be authorized to minister to them." However, the legislation offers no compensation to clergy who feel obliged to resign if it is passed.