Many churches in the Anglican Communion have already allowed women bishops, but the Church of England is still undecided. This book argues the case for women bishops by addressing the significance of scripture and tradition, issues of authority, the need for change, as well as the place of bishops in the church and the world.

Contributors include the first female bishop in the Anglican Communion, as well as a range of bishops, other clergy and lay people, male and female, from Africa, the USA, Australia, England, Scotland, and New Zealand, from the Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.

The result is a compelling book which speaks with authority both on the role of bishops in the Christian tradition and of the experiences of male and female clergy and laity in the 21st Century world-wide church.

Harriet Harris is Chaplain of Wadham College, Oxford and Chaplain of the University Church, Oxford.

Jane Shaw is Dean of Divinity, Chaplain and Fellow of New College, Oxford.