The Episcopal Act of Synod 1993 damaged the unity of the Church of England by legislating for a divided church. GRAS was founded by the late Monica Furlong to seek its rescission.

We believe that the Measure being prepared by the Legislative Drafting Group to enable the ordination of women bishops should:

  • Remove the obstacles by clearing out all discriminatory legal provisions against women’s orders to provide a clean slate as General Synod has already requested.
    • Rescind the Episcopal Act of Synod 1993.
    • Abolish Provincial Episcopal Visitors and integrate existing PEVs as suffragans within existing diocesan staff teams.
  • Introduce a single enabling Measure to give clarity and affirmation to women’s full and equal status in all three orders of ministry.
  • Provide a Code of Practice designed to recognise that there are essential elements of trust which need to be restored.


The GRAS Prayer

Living God,
in whose image we are made;
guide us through this period of transition,
that we may act with sensitivity and resolve.
May we speak to a new generation
your message of love and compassion.

Amen.