The House of Bishops has issued a formal response to the Independent Reviewer’s report on the submission from WATCH (Women and the Church) regarding the appointment of diocesan bishops who do not ordain women as priests. 

The House expressed its gratitude to the Independent Reviewer for the work undertaken in producing the report and acknowledged the importance of the concerns raised.

Recognising the need for further reflection and action, the House agreed on the following key points:

1. The House reaffirms that the flourishing of women as priests and bishops is integral to the outworking of the Declaration and the Five Guiding Principles. Ensuring that mutual flourishing is possible extends beyond the remit of the Independent Reviewer and requires additional provision to support this.
2. The House acknowledges that more work is required to consider the provision for reviewing situations related to the Declaration that are impacting the ministry of women as priests and bishops, as well as those who fully support their ministry. The House is grateful to the Independent Reviewer for drawing attention to this issue.
3. The House notes that any changes to the Declaration, including those related to the role of the Independent Reviewer, require consultation with General Synod and would necessitate two-thirds majorities in all three Houses. Care must be taken to ensure that any further provisions for reviewing situations relating to the Declaration and supporting mutual flourishing do not unintentionally undermine the 2014 Declaration.
4. To address these concerns, the House has asked the Standing Commission to consider these issues in greater detail and propose options for improving the provision for ordained women and the reviewing of situations relating to the Declaration and their ministry.
5. The report also highlights the importance of considering all diocesan bishops’ appointments in relation to the vacancy in see process. It has reminded the House of previous recommendations by a former Independent Reviewer and the Implementation and Dialogue Group regarding the theological and pastoral implications of episcopal appointments. The House is committed to exploring further work in this area.

The House remains committed to ensuring that all traditions within the Church can continue to flourish together.