Ordination of women to the episcopate was specifically excluded by the General Synod. The ministry of men or women, deacons or presbyters, ordained by a woman bishop in other Provinces is not recognized. There is provision of extended episcopal oversight including through the ministry of three specially appointed Provincial Episcopal Visitors who exercise their ministry at the invitation of and on the authority of the diocesan bishop. At present there is no ordinatiuon of women to the presbyterste in 11 of the 13 dioceses. Women bishops are canonically possible, but none are ordained as yet.
Women bishops are canonically possible, but none are ordained as yet.
Women bishops are canonically possible, but none are ordained as yet. A conscience clause protecting the sensitivities of those opposed to the ordination of women was in effect from 1975 to 1986. The enabling canon for the ordination of women to the presbyterate and the episcopate applies to all diocese. Informal episcopal arrangements can be made to protect the conscience of an individual bishop.