A VICAR could leave the Church of England over moves to allow women to become bishops.

The Rev Lee Bennett, of St Mary the Virgin in Benfleet, is seriously considering his position following the General Synod’s controversial decision.

Mr Bennett objects to the change on theological grounds, and believes there is no support for it in Christian scripture.

He says some of his parishioners, many of them women, share his concerns.

Mr Bennett said: “There is no argument to support women bishops, or women priests for that matter.

“Generally, people lack the language of theology and see things purely as a justice and equality matter. Anybody who takes a contrary view is labelled a misogynist, and I’m not a misogynist.

“I’m in the process of exploring with some of my parishioners what the future holds for us, but I’m not going anywhere just yet.

“It’s sad, because the sums have been done by those in authority in the church, and any loss will be an acceptable loss.”

Members of the Church’s national assembly, the General Synod, rejected calls for further delay in the progress of a draft law paving the way for women to be made bishops without safeguards demanded by objectors.

The move came after nearly 12 hours of debate, in which an attempt at a last-ditch compromise over the issue – put by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu – was narrowly defeated.

Praise for church of england’s bishop ruling

OTHER clergy in south Essex are enthusiastic about the Church of England’s decision.

The Rev Louise Williams, of St Saviours in Westcliff, believes the Bible supports ordaining women at every level. She said: “I think you can argue it either way from the Bible, but as far as I can see there is sufficient within the scriptures to allow it. I think it is good it’s now possible for the right man and the right woman to become bishops, and use the gifts God has given them.”

Her husband, Rev Rick Williams, who is head of the Southend, Hadleigh and Rochford Deanery, also backed the decision, but understands the feelings of those who do not.

He is disappointed the Synod rejected the compromise option where priests who did not feel comfortable with a female bishop would be offered a male alternative. He said: Some very good priests are going to be lost. It could be a real problem for those who don’t hold with women bishops to find themselves under the authority of one.”