THE CHURCH of England’s historic vote to allow women bishops has been welcomed by religious leaders in Coventry.
Bishop of Coventry Dr Christopher Cocksworth said the decision should be rejoiced and the church had a great future.
In an open letter to church members in the region, he said: “Now is the time for the Church of England to receive the great gifts of women into the Church’s episcopal leadership and to do so in a way that everyone, whether they rejoice or regret this development, can live together in the strongest bonds of mutuality and reach out to the nation as one Church.
“This is where we have been for sometime in the Diocese of Coventry and I pay tribute to the ‘faith, hope and love’ of so many in our Diocese who have brought us to this point in our life together.”
The Dean of Women’s Ministry in Coventry and Warwickshire, Canon Katrina Scott, added: “This is a great moment to celebrate men and women working together to serve God and our neighbours.
“Having women as bishops will help us as a whole church better represent God to the nation, and to one another. I am especially pleased that this legislation has been accepted, because it continues to respect and value those in the church who will find it hard to work with women as bishops.”
CATHEDRAL staff have presented a Cross of Nails to a Christian charity.
The Cross was given to Novi Most International – a charity working with young people in Bosnia – at a reception in Lambeth Palace.
The cathedral welcomed the charity to the Community of the Cross of Nails as part of the ceremony.
The network of organisations works for peace within their own communities.
The Very Reverend John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry said: “Welcoming a new member to this unique community is always a significant occasion – for both them and for us.
“Expanding this network, where best practise and experiences in peace-building are shared, is part of the legacy that Coventry, as the City of Peace and Reconciliation, can bring to areas such as Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
Volunteers and workers in Novi Most – which translates to New Bridge – seek to build relationships with young people and help them build friendships across boundaries.
*COVENTRY Cathedral is one 22 sites to be handed a slice of £5million for urgent repairs.
It will be given £100,000 to complete repairs as part of a government programme.
