Bishops and Priests (Consecration and Ordination of Women) Measure

Lindsay Hoyle Excerpts

Monday 20th October 2014 Commons Chamber

[Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con)]

My hon. Friend has made a number of good points and she is right in all she says about the work of the Second Church Estates Commissioner. Does she agree that there is a fantastic opportunity for a woman to become a bishop very soon in my constituency, as our current bishop, Bishop Michael, retires in only a month’s time, after 10 years’ outstanding service? Does she agree that that great opportunity should not be missed?

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

Order. We have seven speakers to come. I hope that it will work out that they have about seven minutes each.

[Sarah Newton]

I thoroughly agree with that bid from my hon. Friend and I can think of an excellent candidate who is sitting with us this evening and whom all of us would thoroughly recommend to be one of the earliest adopted new bishops.

Passing this motion this evening is the right thing to do not only for all the reasons that have already been expressed but because it will help the Church of England reach out and continue in its vital mission of engaging with a whole new generation of people. That will only strengthen the Church so that it continues to contribute to the national life of people of Christian faith and people of none.