Legal steps toward the ordination of women

Movers Bishop of Wangaratta

That in order to ensure that any steps taken towards the admission of women to Holy Orders in this Church are in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, and that relevant pastoral and social issues are examined, the General Synod requests:

(a) The canon Law Commission to report on the canonical action, if any, which needs to be taken by the General
Synod in order to remove any legal barriers o the admission of women to Holy Orders in this Church.

(b) The Standing Committee of General Synod to prepare for the next session of General Synod any legislation
which might be necessary for the admission of women to Holy Orders in this Church.

(c) The Primate to submit to the Appellate Tribunal for its opinions the following questions:
(i) whether the admission of women to Holy Orders would be consistent with the Constitution of this
Church, and
(ii) whether such legislation as shall be prepared by the Standing Committee in accordance with subsection
(b) of this resolution would be consistent with the Constitution of this Church.

(d) The Standing Committee of General Synod to have prepared for the next session of General Synod a report on
the social and pastoral implications of the admission of women to Holy Orders in this Church.

(The Bishop of Wangaratta, 30.8.77)


Resolution year: 1977
Resolution number: 28/77