Church of England Votes to Ordain Women Deacons
Episcopal News Service. July 11, 1985 [85154]
LONDON (DPS, July 11) -- The General Synod of the Church of England voted July 2 to ordain women as deacons. There was overwhelming approval for the final stage of the controversial legislation, and only the formal endorsement of the House of Commons -- still necessary for the state church -- is awaited for the historic change in the ancient ministry to be set in motion.
The first women are likely to be ordained deacons next year.
Once in force, the new legislation will set women squarely in holy orders for the first time in the Church of England's history. Until now, the three traditional clerical offices -- deacon, priest and bishop -- have been open only to men.
Voting was decisive in the synod's three houses: bishops, 36-0; clergy, 147-49; laity 137-34.
The decision of the General Synod is bound to be seen by extreme Anglo-Catholics as one more instance of the Church of England's violating its tradition. For some, it could be a breaking point and lead to an increase in the reported exodus to the Roman Catholic Church. One high church source has made it known that, whereas about six Anglicans a year were once counseled as they switched to Roman Catholicism, today's number is running at one clergyman or lay person every week.
Anglo-Catholics cite a number of reasons for their growing disquiet, including the decision by the synod last year to proceed with legislation for ordination of women to the priesthood; the vote in November over acceptance of women priests ordained abroad; and alleged lack of authority in the Church. They suggest as many as 1,000 parish clergy -- one in ten of the ordained workforce -- could give up orders or seek refuge in the Church of Rome if changes are not halted.
Meanwhile, what happens to the Church of England's existing 350 deaconesses remains to be seen. They are commissioned for life, and no one is sure how many will seek ordination to the diaconate.
But one thing is sure. The suppliers of clerical wear do not share the high churchmen's reservations. Catalogs are already being distributed in the capital showing fashionable styles that will be available to the newly ordained women.