(XXXVII) Ordination of Women (Continued)
https://archives.anglican.ca/link/official7522
- Date
- 1975 June 5-9
- Source
- House of Bishops. Minutes
- Type
- Resolution
- Mover
- Bishop Gartrell
- Seconder
- Bishop Nock
- Prologue
- (XXXIII)
- Bishop Gartrell referred the House to R-54 of the Convening Circular, Resolution "b" regarding the Ordination of women and requested that a straw vote by secret ballot be taken in respect of this resolution. The results of this ballot would determine the form of the resolution to be brought to the House on this matter. (Continued Item XXXVII - Page 32)
- The result of the 'straw vote' which had been taken Sunday evening was shared with the House, and following discussion it was agreed that this House should send a Memorial to General Synod.
- Text of motion
- "That we accept this as a procedure." CARRIED
- Notes
- "MEMORIAL FROM HOUSE OF BISHOPS REGARDING PROCEDURE IN CONSIDERING RESOLUTIONS ARISING OUT OF REPORT ON MINISTRY"
- The House of Bishops has continued to study the matter of the Ordination of Women to the priesthood, and in particular has studied resolutions (a) and (b) presented by the General synod Committee on Ministry. Resolution (a) is similar to the first part of the resolution on the principle of the Ordination of Women to the priesthood adopted at last General Synod; resolution (b) takes the process a step further.
- Having in mind the unity of the Church and the collegiality of the House of Bishops, as well as the will of General synod as expressed in the 1973 resolution, the House of Bishops believes the right course of action at this time to be the simple reaffirmation of the 1973 resolution.
- The House of Bishops shares the concern of the General Synod that a principle, once declared and ratified by the Synod, should not be rendered ineffective by improper delays in implementation. The House therefore undertakes to be guided by the common decision of the Bishops and other delegates, and to carry forward the task of implementation, if such is indicated, with due regard to the feelings of the Anglican Church throughout Canada, and the consciences of individual Bishops on both sides of the question.
- The House of Bishops therefore moves that in place of resolutions (a) and (b) substantive to the report of the Committee on Ministry, this General Synod reaffirm the decision of the 26th Session which is expressed in these words:
- "That this General synod accept the principle of the Ordination of Women to Priesthood, that this decision be communicated to the Anglican Consultative Council, and that implementation not take place until the House of Bishops has worked out a pattern for the Canadian Church that would include an educational process for the Church."
- It was moved by Bishop Goodman that the words, "and to carry forward that task of implementation, if such is indicated," be deleted. there was no seconder to this Motion.
- Moved by: Bishop Gartrell
- Seconded by: Bishop Garnsworthy
- "That the words, "to General Synod" be inserted into the heading of this Memorial." CARRIED.
- The Motion, as amended, was put and carried.
- "That the following be a Memorial form this House to General Synod, 1975."
- "The House further memorializes General Synod and the Agenda Committee that it regard further debate and discussion on the floor of synod and in the issue groups to be a non-productive process. The House therefore urges the Agenda Committee to change the procedure in the following way once the previous procedural question is settled:
- (a) to act to have no further speeches pro or con;
- (b) to allow one full hour for a quiet reading and study of the document "The Ordination of Women to the Priesthood Pro and Con", singly in the Synod meeting room, or in consultation with other delegates in some other place;
- (c) to provide fifteen minutes of corporate silent prayer while we invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit;
- (d) then to vote by secret ballot by Orders.
- If the Agenda Committee finds it impossible to do this, the House is prepared to move this course of action on the floor of synod." CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
- Subjects
- Ordination of women - Anglican Church of Canada
- Anglican Church of Canada. General Synod (27th : 1975 : Quebec, Que.) - Rules and practice