ECUMENISM
The ordination of women bishops is still at the top of the agenda at the General Synod of the Church of England due to be held from 7 to 11 July. For the meantime no agreement seems possible. The Anglican Communion is split between parishes and dioceses favourable to the ordination of women and those that oppose it. One hypothesis that the Anglican Bishops are examining, and that will be discussed at the Synod, is that of a third province in which special bishops would be assigned to the parishes that do not wish to have women bishops, but even this solution that would avert a schism still does not command enough support. The order of the day for the Synod in July has not yet been announced. The American Episcopalian Church, which has given the go ahead to the ordination of homosexual bishops, is due to meet later this month. It is probable that the Episcopalians will admit the split they have caused by their decision without asking for forgiveness as requested by the Anglican churches contrary to the ordination of homosexual bishops. This is another serious cause of division for the Anglican Communion.
