Day of Prayer for General Synod during momentous debate

Lincoln Cathedral will hold a day of prayer during the time scheduled for the forthcoming General Synod debate on Women in the Episcopate.

The day of prayer, on 9 July, will be held at St Hugh’s Shrine at the east end of the Lincoln Cathedral, and will offer the regular Offices – or prescribed services – of the Church with vigils on the hour during the day.

The General Synod, which meets in York from 6 to 10 July, will debate the subject of Women Bishops on Monday 9 July. The proposed legislation was given overwhelming support in the dioceses of the Church of England, and the House of Bishops was given authority to review the proposed legislation and make ‘minor amendments’. The report of the Bishops has been returned to the General Synod, and the Draft Bishops and Priests (Consecration and Ordination of Women) Measure will be proposed for approval.

The Precentor of Lincoln, The Revd Canon Gavin Kirk, who is also a member of the General Synod, said that the proposed legislation was one of the most significant in the history of the Church of England.

“Since women were ordained to the priesthood in 1994, the Church of England has been moving steadily to this point,” said the Precentor.

“The proposal has received great support, and also great opposition, and the strength of feelings on both sides mean that the debate must be conducted in the context of prayer, and with the prayerful support of churches around the country.”

To that end, the Cathedral’s day of prayer will take themes for particular periods, including a period to pray for the unity of the Church, a spirit of generosity, inclusivity, diversity, for members of the General Synod, and for guidance in the vote and its repercussions.

“The Cathedral offers a very warm welcome to anyone who wishes to join us in prayer for part or all of the day, and we hope that people around the Diocese will offer similar prayers in their local church, at work or at home.” said the Precentor.

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