A Hoxton vicar has described the Church of England’s decision not to allow women to become bishops as “confusing and disappointing”. Reverend Graham Hunter, of St John’s Church in Hoxton, said:
“When I read the new testament I see plenty of examples of women being chosen and called by God for vital apostolic tasks. It’s not difficult to read between the lines of the new testament and see women in all kinds of leadership positions.”
The verdict has caused controversy both inside and outside the Anglican community, but in Rev Hunter’s view the matter should have been decided a long-time ago:
“The issue around women bishops has been poorly handled over the years. I think the decision should have been made years ago that women should be admitted to the ordained ministries, that is to say bishop, priest and deacon. I think that decision should have been made right at the very beginning.”
Rev Hunter also welcomed the appointment of Justin Welby as the new Archbishop of Canterbury. He said “It’s great that we’ve got somebody who’s provocatively challenging some of the assumptions that have been built into free market capitalism.” Bishop Welby, like Rev Hunter, comes from the evangelical Holy Trinity Brompton wing of the church.
