Saint Paul was well known for changing his mind. The apostle, whose declaration that a woman should not usurp the authority of man has formed one of the scriptural pillars of traditional opposition to female bishops, underwent a celebrated conversion on the way to Damascus.
Its rapidity stands in stark contrast to the Church of England. Having first discussed the issue nearly a century ago, Anglicans have been progressing at a much more leisurely pace in coming to a fresh position on equality in the episcopate. A decade ago the idea was agreed in principle – although attempts to cement the change church law ended in heartbreak for supporters in November 2012, when it was defeated by just six votes.
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