While the glass ceiling for women in leadership of the Anglican Communion is far from being shattered, more cracks are appearing. The bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada have nominated the Rt. Rev. Victoria Matthews, bishop of the diocese of Edmonton, as one of four candidates for their next Primate. There is a strong possibility that after June 22nd Katharine will no longer be the only woman at the table for the next Primates' gathering.
Nor are the Canadian Anglicans the only ones on the verge of electing a female head of their denomination. Clerical Whispers reports that Austrian Lutherans have four women on the list of nominees for their next presiding bishop.
Women have long been the glue that has held the church together. They have fed us, taught our children, and contributed financially to support our congregations. They were recognized leaders in the early church. It is possible that they were clergy in the ancient church and in the early Celtic churches. To see them moving into positions of elected leadership, open influence and overt power gives me a great deal of hope for the future of the church.
Peace,
Jeffri
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