WOMEN PREACHERS IN CHURCH OF ENGLAND

Wanganui Chronicle, 31 May 1950, Page 5

WOMEN PREACHERS IN CHURCH OF ENGLAND

Lower House Of Convocation Of York Approves, With Restrictions

LONDON. May 30 (Rec. 6 pm).—The Lower House of Convocation of York has decided that women are to be allowed to conduct statutory services and preach in the Church of England, but they will not be able to conduct Holy Communion and special scr-

vices, such as Communion. The decision means that deaeonesses who now preach only at women’s or children’s services will be able to give sermons at morning and evening services with mixed congregations. There w*as some opposition to the proposals. Canon Hussey, of Salford, said: “I shudder to think what will happen if we have a bi-sexual ministry. It would be dreadful if the Bench of Bishops consisted of a lot of old women.” Archdeacon Townley, of York, welcomed the idea. Women preachers would, he said, help to overcome the chortage of priests. An amendment to proposals sug-

I gested that women should wear veils 1 while conducting, services. There I was no more discussion on this point ! after Canon Hussey warned: “We , should take care in discussing woI men's dress, otherwise we might make ourselves look ridiculous.” I Archdeacon Townley explained ; later: “Women will have the same status as men lay readers. They will be able to take morning and evening' i services and Baptisms, but not Holy ‘ Communion, marriage services, or I funerals. The proposal to allow women | : preachers was made four -years ago. ■ i It w-as approved by the Upper House , i of the Convocation, but only now has i the Lower House accepted it.—Special i I N.Z.P.A. Correspondent. I