Scots back women priests

THE Scottish Episcopal Church, equivalent north of the border to the Church of England, voted yesterday to approve the ordination of women, writes John Arlidge.

At the church's annual general Synod in Edinburgh, members of the House of Bishops unanimously approved the proposal and more than two-thirds of members of the Houses of Laity and Clergy voted in favour.

Supporters said the bar on women priests was 'irrational, unbiblical and debilitating'. But opponents, who presented a 1,100-signature petition condemning the move, said ordination was 'unbiblical'. Efforts were under way last night to prevent opponents leaving the church.