Long and Winding Road to Equality in the Church; Religious Affairs Reporter Helen Bruce Examines the Drive by Women Priests for Acceptance within Their Religion

Byline: Helen Bruce

The issue of women bishops is the most divisive faced by the Church since its decision to ordain priests seven years ago, which led to an exodus of more than 400 clergy.

To open a discussion on the subject is often to re-ignite the passions of traditionalists, who still resent the presence of women priests in their parishes.

Birmingham's highest ranking woman priest, area dean the Rev Maxine Marsh, believes the consecration of women bishops is a dream of equality worth striving for.

Yet she is under no illusions that the path will be an easy one.

While she has had nothing but support from the Bishop of Birmingham, the Right Rev Mark Santer, Miss Marsh has had people refuse to take communion from her and is still battling against stereotype.

'Some people don't like …

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Publication information: Article title: Long and Winding Road to Equality in the Church; Religious Affairs Reporter Helen Bruce Examines the Drive by Women Priests for Acceptance within Their Religion. Contributors: Not available. Newspaper title: The Birmingham Post (England). Publication date: August 29, 2001. Page number: 2. © 2009 Birmingham Post & Mail Ltd. COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group.

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