A new row over an amendment to legislation on women bishops could see the measure fail to win the final vote of approval at the York General Synod

The Reform group of orthodox Anglicans in the Church of England has said it will vote against legislation to allow women in the episcopate.

After years of difficult negotiation, the Church of England General Synod is being asked to give its final approval to legislation on women bishops when it meets in York next week.

Support for women bishops is strong in the Church but there are deep divisions over the provisions that should be made for Anglicans who cannot in conscience accept a female bishop.

The legislation being presented to Synod includes a controversial concession added in by the House of Bishops to allow orthodox parishes to select oversight from an alternative male bishop who shares their theological convictions.

The amendment has angered supporters of women bishops, whilst also failing to win over opponents of women bishops.

Addressing 200 orthodox Anglicans in central London, Reform Chairman the Rev Rod Thomas said the bishops had not succeeded in “persuading our members that there is a secure future” for them in the Church.

“The furore created by some in response to these small amendments reveals most clearly the reason why those who hold to our biblical position need legislative clarity, not just a code of practice if we are to continue to encourage young people to come forward for ordination,” he said.

“There is clearly a desire on the part of some to see any provision for us as strictly temporary, despite the fact that we’re simply seeking to follow the Bible’s teaching about how God wants his Church to be organised.

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