In a heartfelt address to the General Synod, the Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, voiced her deep concerns regarding the treatment and representation of women in the Church of England.
Her remarks particularly focused on the role of the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC), the body tasked with selecting the next Archbishop of Canterbury.
Bishop Mullally highlighted the urgent need for more women to be involved in this pivotal process.
Call for Action
As she spoke, Bishop Mullally reflected on her desire to trust her colleagues’ decision-making abilities but couldn’t hide her disappointment over the ongoing lack of female representation.
She shared her commitment to advocating for women while recognizing the significant institutional hurdles that persist, along with the subtle yet impactful micro-aggressions that often go unnoticed.
During her speech, emotion overtook her, prompting a brief pause as she turned away from the podium, revealing a moment of vulnerability that struck a chord with the audience.
The members of the Synod responded with enthusiastic applause, and many rose to their feet in a standing ovation.
In that poignant moment, the Archbishop of York, Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, offered her support and comfort.
Encouraging Representation
After regaining her composure, the 62-year-old Bishop lightened the mood with humor, playfully scolding the Synod for taking up too much of her speaking time.
However, she quickly emphasized the need for action, urging her fellow members to not just express support for women but to actively uplift their voices within the Church.
Earlier in her speech, Bishop Mullally shed light on the absence of women’s perspectives during key phases of the episcopal selection process.
She pointed out that while many dioceses feature a near-equal distribution of men and women, this balance is clearly absent within the CNC.
She passionately argued that the commission ought to reflect this demographic parity.
Challenges Faced by Women
Adding to the conversation, Rev Martine Oborne, Chair of Women and the Church (WATCH), underscored the challenges women face in expressing their concerns within the Church.
She warned that the existing culture may deter women from speaking up, as they often fear dismissal or undermining when they do.
The Bishop’s emotional appeal resonated throughout the Synod, serving as a powerful reminder of the changes needed to foster an inclusive environment where women’s voices are not just heard but prioritized.
Source: Premierchristian.news
