Can anyone clarify the persistent rumour that the College of Bishops is about to announce a moratorium on consecrating English candidates to the Episcopate? Apparently the plan is to use the anniversary of Act of Union to generate some publicity.
There have certainly been thinly disguised calls for this measure at General Synod, though never an actual synod motion. There must be some question as to who has the authority to make the change – the bishops or the synod.
The story is that they are split over whether this should apply to people born that way or whether it applies to people with “English experience”. It is that old nature/nuture debate all over again.
I think dioceses should continue to be allowed to elect the best person for the job. Personally speaking, I’ve one parent from Scotland and one from England – presumably that makes me bi-national.
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