Bishop tells of ‘sadness’ over vote

The Bishop of Sheffield has described his sadness that the standing of the Church of England had been damaged by the decision not to allow women bishops.

Speaking at his Diocesan Synod in Warmsworth, Dr Steven Croft told bishops, clergy and laity that serious matters had now to be addressed following events at last week’s General Synod.

He said he was “deeply saddened” that the vote had been defeated and that “it is my honest view that the standing of the Church of England in our nation has been damaged, I hope temporarily”.

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Dr Croft, who trained men and women for ministry when warden of Cranmer Hall in Durham, paid tribute to the contribution made by women through ministries in the diocese and further afield.

He said: “Many, I know, feel bruised by this decision not because they want to be bishops but because they feel their own ministries as priests and deacons are again called into question.”

Dr Croft said he had “spoken and corresponded with a large number of angry and hurt people since last Tuesday and, so great is their hurt and anger, a significant number have talked of resignation and withdrawal”.

Dr Croft also addressed those who remain opposed to the ordination of women as bishops: “The Church of England as a whole is more determined than ever to pursue that course and we will be held to account by the society we serve.”