Posted on 11/16/2006 6:16:37 PM PST by sionnsar
Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has denounced British press reports that he was rethinking the Church of England’s decision to ordain women to the priesthood.
In a Nov. 16 statement a spokesman for the archbishop dismissed as “willfully misleading” reports “that he is doubtful over the ordination of women to the priesthood, has ever felt that the ordination of women priests has been ‘wrong,’ or believes that a revisiting of the question is likely, necessary or desirable.”
“It’s quite mad,” the spokesman said. “He has always been a supporter of women priests.”
In an interview in The Catholic Herald, due out Nov. 17, Archbishop Williams is quoted as stating the turmoil following the decision to ordain women to the priesthood “has tested” his resolve, but he remained convinced it was the proper course of action.
The ordination of women as not “transformed or renewed the Church of England in spectacular ways,” he said. “Equally, I don’t think it has corrupted or ruined the Church of England in spectacular ways.”
“My conviction means that I feel nothing less than full support for the decision the Church of England made in 1992 and appreciation of the priesthood exercised,” Archbishop Williams said.
Leaders of Forward in Faith in the UK have seized on Archbishop Williams’ comments to argue that the promises claimed by advocates of female priests have been hollow. However, some traditionalists are worried the interview will be used to manipulate the debate currently before General Synod on ordaining women as bishops.
The Vatican has also pressed the Church of England to back away from plans to consecrate female bishops. In June, Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, stated women bishops would result in a “serious and long-lasting chill” in relations with the Roman Catholic Church.
(The Rev.) George Conger
Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams.
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