Anglican Communion News Service

(CT) The Australian General Synod has begun moves to open the episcopate to women. It will also look at alternative forms of episcopal oversight for those who would not accept women on the bench.

The Synod meeting in Adelaide voted overwhelmingly for draft enabling legislation to be prepared for next year. The legislation, together with a discussion paper, will be circulated to dioceses for response by the end of 1999. It is possible that a Bill could be finalised for the next Synod meeting in 2001. Other forms of alternative episcopal oversight would be included in the discussion.