Archbishop of Canterbury appoints flying bishops

Jonathan Baker and Norman Banks will provide pastoral care for Anglicans opposed to female clergy
Riazat Butt, religious affairs correspondent
Thursday 5 May 2011

The Church of England is experiencing "much upheaval and uncertainty", the archbishop of Canterbury has said as he announced the appointment of two bishops who will provide spiritual and pastoral care for Anglicans opposed to female clergy.

Dr Rowan Williams said that the Rev Jonathan Baker, 44, and the Rev Norman Banks, 57, were taking up a "very demanding pastoral ministry" and would need prayers and friendship.

Provincial episcopal visitors – also known as flying bishops – care for parishes and priests who do not accept female clergy. The previous flying bishops, Keith Newton and Andrew Burnham, left the Church of England. They were among the 900 who joined the ordinariate, a Vatican initiative that allows Anglicans to convert while keeping elements of their liturgical heritage. the rest