Ordination policy challenged

LONDON -- The Anglican Communion's top advisory panel said the U.S. Episcopal church should clarify its policy on women's ordination and emphasize that dioceses may elect bishops who will not ordain women.

The Panel of Reference is a 13-member international body appointed to settle theological disputes, though it does not have the power to enforce its decisions.

The Episcopal church decided to permit women's ordination in 1976. In 1997, it decided that "no one shall be denied access to the ordination process ... on account of his or her sex."

The Fort Worth, Texas, diocese asked the panel if the 1997 policy could mean their next bishop would have to accept women's ordination. The Panel of Reference recommended changing the law "to make it absolutely clear" that women's ordination is permitted, but not mandatory.

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