News for Week Ending 11/18/2013

First female diocesan elected in Australia

The Rev. Dr. Sarah Macneil has been elected the 11th Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Grafton. She will become the first woman diocesan bishop in the Anglican Church of Australia early next year. Details can be found here.

CoE General Synod to try to move women bishops cause forward

The General Synod of the Church of England is meeting in London November 18–20, 2013. Most significant on the agenda is yet another proposal to allow for women bishops in the Church of England. An earlier proposal was narrowly defeated last year—see Pittsburgh Update story here. Information about the plan currently up for a vote can be found in the Pittsburgh Update story here. The BBC has posted stories concerning the upcoming General Synod debate and the nature of the proposed plan. Thinking Anglicans can be relied upon to provide timely updates during the General Synod’s meeting.

Supreme Court appeal by The Falls Church draws support

The appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court by The Falls Church Anglican—see Pittsburgh Update story here—has been supported by a number of amicus curiae briefs. The briefs can be found on the Web site of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia here under the heading “2013 Appeal Phase: Supreme Court of the United States.” What is at issue is the efficacy of the Dennis Canon. Among the supporters of the breakaway Virginia congregation are the Anglican Church in North America and the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh.