Paul Avis (Ed)

This timely kination of the Church of England's decision both to ordain women to the priesthood and to make pastoral provision for those opposed to this puts into context the theological principles involved. The far-reaching mplications for the future of the Church are also considered, including the so-called flying Bishops' set in place by the Episcopal Ministry Act of Synod (1993), and the well-publicized determination of the Church to maintain communion even as these developments provoke fundamental sagreements

William G. Rusch, John Hind, Mary Tanner, Robert Hannaford, Christopher Hill Paul Richardson, Geoffrey Rowell and Paul Avis all support, with varying degrees of enthusiasm, the Act of Synod but they are divided in their view of the ordination of women. This makes their individual contributions to this book of vital interest to lay people as well as to the clergy, as they help readers to see and understand the bigger picture, from an ecumenical, as well as an Anglican, perspective.

The editor, Paul Avis, is General Secretary of the Council for Christian Unity of the Church of England and Sub-Dean of Exeter Cathedral. His recent books include Anglicanism and the Christian Church, The Anglican Understanding of the Church and Church, State and Establishment.