When the Church of England decided to permit the ordination of women to the priesthood, it was also careful to emphasise that those who might take a different view would also remain equally loyal and welcome members of the Church.

To assist in the pastoral care of those opposed to the ordination of women to the priesthood three Provincial Episcopal Visitors, soon nick-named Flying Bishops, were established. The Bishops of Ebbsfleet and Richborough exercise this ministry in the Province of Canterbury, while the Bishop of Beverley serves the Province of York.

As Bishop of Beverley, two primary tasks are entrusted to me. I am to be a spokesperson for all those in the Northern Province opposed to the ordination of women to the priesthood, monitoring their treatment and speaking out, as necessary, on their behalf. Additionally, a number of parishes have petitioned their diocesan bishop to receive from me extended episcopal care. In practice, this means that, as required, I ordain clergy for such parishes and celebrate confirmation in them. I seek to pastor both clergy and people, helping to build the parishes up in the mission to which God has called them. At present, there are some eighty parishes in my care and you can find a list of them elsewhere on this site.

There is a danger that Anglicans of my persuasion can be seen as those just against something. On the contrary, we are for the Universal Faith of the Church and seek to recall folk to the Church's undivided teaching. We include within our ranks Anglo-Catholics and Evangelicals as well as many who would not naturally use either of these labels.

Thank you visiting this website. I hope you may glean useful information from it. May you be richly blessed.

†Martyn Beverley


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