(from EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE) June 18, 2002 Scottish church opening way for women in the episcopate (ENS) The General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church has overwhelmingly supported a motion that would clear the way for women to be elected to the episcopate. After a passionate debate, members of the synod supported the first reading of a motion that would change the language of the church's rulebook to enable the historic change. Churches now have a year to discuss the issue in their dioceses. If the motion is supported by two-thirds of members next year the canon law would be changed. All seven of the church's bishops supported the motion. The vote among clergy was 64 in favor and eight against. For the laity it was 64 in favor and seven against. "I passionately believe that it is right, both in terms of time and substance, to proceed with this legislation," said Bishop Bruce Cameron, primus of the church in his introduction of the motion. "It is also important that we use the time in the next 12 months to listen to each other, and to understand the differences that exist within our own church." Canon Ruth Edwards said that "people outside the church find it almost inconceivable that we put men and women through the same training programs, let them work in the same churches, but still do not allow women to be bishops. I also believe that it is theologically right. God created man and woman equal, in his own image." There were also passionate speeches against the motion. "A vote in favor today would change the teaching and practice of 2,000 years," said Gabrielle Robertson of St. Andrews. "Are we prepared to sweep all this away with a show of hands? What is to happen to the people who, like me, will not be able to accept the sacramental ministry of women bishops?" she asked. Churches in the United States, Canada and New Zealand have women bishops. The Anglican Church in Ireland has voted in favor but has yet to appoint a woman to the episcopate. _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com