General Synod and Equality

Yesterday was an historic day. The General Synod of the Church of England headed up by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby voted in favour of women bishops.

Noteably on the 10 o'clock BBC news, Tom Sutcliffe, a spokesperson stated that mediation and compromise had been used to assist the discussions but that Justice was not included in talks.

I welcome this statement because democracy permits mediation in society when in its right place and there is no problem with it being used here as it does not "undermine" the function and purpose of faith as presumably the same sermon is given at every mass each week regardless of gender.

Whereas, lawyers, barristers and judges are educated to "apply the rule of law" and to compromise that application is to "undermine" it, meaning the function and purpose is out of balance. This is further established via politics and the legislature where judges do not "reason" to enable the challenge of the "ought" of the rule of law to be established over the "is" of posited statute law. The application of the rule of law creates a just and safe society so long as it is done properly. Justice must be done and seen to be done.

I get the impression due to Tom Sutcliffe's comments on the news last night that my message is getting through.

Anyway, well done on bringing equality to this area of society.

Article "Women Bishops will serve the Church of England as General Synod Votes in Favour" in the Huffington Post on 14 July 2014