If I were a liberal….
By Fr Ed Tomlinson, St Barnabas Blog
I wonder how I might be reacting to the news of the Pope’s offer to Anglican Catholics if I were a supporter of women bishops? With the proclamation coming like a bolt from the blue there is a danger that, alongside the conservative Catholics, emotions might be running high and threatening to eclipse level thinking. I would probably feel a sense of indignation that ++Rowan was not consulted sooner. I might be alarmed at the prospect of long term damage to the Church of England. And, quite possibly, a deep rooted and very English brand of ‘anti-papalism’ might be causing me to grind my teeth.
But as my shock ebbed a little I might pause and reflect. Could this actually be a blessing and not a curse? It is far to early for any decisions but let us imagine that the vast majority of FIF want to go. Might it be possible to work WITH the Vatican in creating space for those who in good conscience cannot accept the ordination of women? After all this group of people, many of them principled and decent, are clearly journeying on a very different path to the wider Church of England. A path which is clearer in closer sympathy with the teaching of Rome.
A generous working together would send out a wonderful message of love to the wider world who are watching us with fascination. It would also bring our churches closer together and, wonderfully for those in favour of the move, it would allow for women bishops to be consecrated with (almost) immediate effect. Naturally the revision group would still need to find a solution for evangelicals who oppose this innovation but a ‘headship argument’ is surely easier than an ‘ecclesiological argument’ to sort out practically?
I plead with everyone to look accross the pond to America and see that fighting over fabric and going down a bitter path of litigation is hugely destructive to ALL. Regardless of the rights and wrongs of involved, surely NOBODY can think slashing mission budgets to fund lawyer’s fees is a good way for Christians to spend their money? Ask those who divorce if avoiding lawyers is beneficial? All will agree that they are best avoided, but in order for this to happen fairness on both sides of the dispute is vital.
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