A new provision allowing divorcees to become Bishops is expected to be proposed at the Church of England’s General Synod in July. According to a Sunday Telegraph report the change was agreed by the House of Bishops in May, despite opposition from some, including the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu.
Jesus said “Everyone who divorces his wife, and marries another, commits adultery. He who marries one who is divorced from a husband commits adultery.” (Luke 16:18).
Evangelicals and traditionalists in the church have pointed out that Church leaders should be expected to live in line with Jesus’ teaching. Reverend David Phillips, of the Church Society, an evangelical group, told the Sunday Telegraph: "Though one recognises there are very difficult cases, in terms of the public ministry of the Church we should be modelling the standards Jesus set out, which is that marriage is for life. "I don't think it's appropriate for bishops to be divorcees."
Fr Geoffrey Kirk, representing the Anglo-Catholic group, Forward in Faith, said that "it would seem utterly unacceptable that divorce and remarriage be part of the regimen of those who are called to represent and effect the unity of the Church."
A spokesman for the Church of England said that a statement on the matter would be available in July, when the General Synod meets.