For the July watershed on women bishops

THE CHURCH, WOMEN BISHOPS & PROVISION
The integrity of orthodox objections to the proposed legislation allowing women bishops
By various, with introduction and conclusion by Philip Giddings. Latimer Trust. 146 pages. £6.99
ISBN 978 1 906 327 019

This book was originally written with just one purpose: to persuade individual members of the General Synod of the Church of England to ensure that proper alternative provision was made for those who have theological concerns about admitting women to the Episcopate.

Its value will be more long-term and wide ranging. Nonetheless, the original purpose necessarily informs the structure of the book.

After briefly but effectively addressing the biblical arguments regarding male headship in the church, the authors devote themselves to grappling with the wider issues involved in the debate on women bishops: the influence of utopian rationalism on secular feminism, the problems of majority rule, the dangers of reconstructing Jesus, the ‘Trojan horse of Reception’ and the weaknesses of a mono-episcopal model of church leadership. There is also a very helpful chapter examining what ‘women’s ministry’ looks like in the conservative evangelical church, based on interviews with a number of individuals.

Each of the contributors to this book has their own style appropriate to what they set out to achieve. It may not be an easy read but it will be of considerable interest to anyone who wishes to engage with issues of gender, or sexuality, in the church or society. The way the authors reveal the underlying assumptions of those in favour of women bishops is particularly helpful and thought provoking. By definition, this book focuses on the structures of the CofE, but much of the discussion is relevant to all church leadership. Thus it deserves a wider audience.

Whether this book ultimately achieves its original aim will only be known in July, but, whatever the outcome of the vote, this book will continue to offer a rich resource for which I will continue to reach, long after the headlines fade.

Susie Leafe,

married to Dan, Fowey Parish Church, member of the General Synod