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Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 283, 28 November 1924, Page 5

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I WOMEN IN S. AFRICAN CHURCH j CAPETOWN, November 20. i The South African Anglican Synod, • which meets every five years, has made history. By an overwhelming majority, a motion was carried, extending the legal status of women as communicants, j and as a consequence, they will he eligible as sidesmen and churchwardens. Strong opposition from the "die I hards" forced a compromise, by which i women are still excluded from momber- ! ship of the Synods. i One bishop declared that he would 1 not be seen walking up the aisle with I a woman if all restriction was removed. I Another said he would walk out if I women walked in, while a third said 1 that the Synod would last a month it' 1 women were admitted. The Synod presented an unalterable front regarding divorcees. It refused to recognise marriage with a deceased wife's sister, hut allowed bishops discretionary powers to admit an innocent party to communion. Three bishops will preach in Nonconformist churches on Sunday, in order Ito impress the difficulties in the way lof the re-union of the churches.