Ordination of Women
The diocese has ordained women to the diaconate since 1986 and to the priesthood since 1992. The September 2007 decision of the Appellate Tribunal opening the way for the consecration of women to the episcopate was welcomed by the present archbishop, Philip Freier. General Synod approved a motion in October 2007 which welcomed the "clarity" of the decision. Melbourne's first female bishop, Canon Barbara Darling, was consecrated at St Paul's Cathedral on 31 May 2008. Female bishops are opposed by some within the diocese, particularly conservative Evangelicals and Anglo-Catholics, necessitating the provision of alternative episcopal oversight.
Read more about this topic: Anglican Diocese Of Melbourne, Issues
Famous quotes containing the words ordination and/or women:
“Two clergymen disputing whether ordination would be valid without the imposition of both hands, the more formal one said, “Do you think the Holy Dove could fly down with only one wing?””
—Horace Walpole (1717–1797)
“In our civilization, men are afraid that they will not be men enough and women are afraid that they may be considered only women.”
—Theodor Reik (1888–1969)