It is timely, therefore, for us to reflect again on our own position in this church on this matter.
The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia long ago affirmed and provided for the ordination of women to all levels of ordained ministry, as deacons, priests and bishops.
This has resulted in widespread, in-depth and effective ministry, with a unique and special character, across all three Tikanga.
As the Church of England comes close to providing for the ordination of women bishops, we pray that all three orders in that church will benefit as richly as we have done from taking this step.
This church also takes part in Anglican-Roman Catholic dialogue, both here in New Zealand and abroad.
For some decades now, our affirmation and celebration of the ordination of women has been a feature of our contribution to these conversations.
We draw our authority for these ordinations from scripture, tradition and reason, as well as from the decisions of many General Synods of the Anglican Communion.
At a time when the Vatican-based Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has restated its commitment not to proceed in this way, we affirm again the fundamental value of all ordained women within our church.
For us, such ordinations are a profound enrichment of the sacraments – and when ordained women and men work together in ministry and mission, we have found this both invigorating and life-giving.
++David Moxon, Senior Bishop of the New Zealand dioceses
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