The canon proposed by the special committee on Canon III.8.1 [TLC, July 30] shouldn't be very satisfactory to anyone, regardless of his or her theological position on whether women can be ordained as priests and bishops. The proposed canonical changes would require that women be ordained in every diocese of the Episcopal Church.

For supporters of ordination of women, the proposed canon would appear to be the achievement of a goal set more than 20 years ago when the first women were ordained. At the same time, the proposed canon would strip from the church one of the characteristics supporters of ordination of women have sought most, its inclusiveness. Adoption of the proposed canon by General Convention in 1997 would mean that the Episcopal Church no longer tolerates a theological position recognized in nearly every province of the Anglican Communion.

Those who oppose the ordination of women on theological grounds obviously will not be pleased by the legislation. The four remaining bishops who have said they will not ordain women as priests would seem to have a choice of resigning, of refusing to ordain women and being subject to possible presentment and deposition, or acting contrary to their consciences. A resolution passed by the committee means that all persons, "every person who exercises a ministry as a leader and trustee" is obliged to obey and implement the canon. In effect, persons may not serve on vestries, standing committees, commissions on ministry, diocesan councils or national committees unless they agree women may be ordained priests and bishops.

At a time in which the cries for a more inclusive church are intensified [p. 6], a canon proposed by a small branch of the Anglican Communion would appear to be an unwise step. It would change the theology of the church, force out needlessly many faithful members, and it would appear to ignore Article VI of the Articles of Religion, which says in effect that whatever is not in scripture is not to be required of anyone. While it is likely that this un-Anglican canon will be adopted overwhelmingly, there must be a better way.