It came as a shock to read of Rev Paul Harcourt’s enthusiasm for women to become bishops (Speaking Out, July 17).

In many important aspects of life, scientific and medical for instance, there are changes of emphasis because of results of research.

When one looks at church leadership and fellowship, then the philosophy has to be handled differently.

I believe that God does not change, His word does not need changing and therefore the authority of the Bible remains in a class of its own.

Rev Harcourt never gave any scripture references for supporting women in ministry and one wonders why.

The main teaching con- cerning the honoured position of bishop (overseer) is given by the apostle Paul in (the First Epistle to Timothy).

He must be blameless and the husband of one wife.

Paul says that a man who desires the post of bishop desires a good work.

The New Testament never suggests that women should be bishops.

Women are very highly honoured by the Bible.

Sarah, Rebecca and Jacob’s wives built the house of Israel.

In the Old Testament, Esther was used to save Jewish people from being murdered in the ancient Persian Empire.

Women, including Mary Magdalene, a former prostitute, were the first people to be informed of the resurrection of Jesus.

So women are highly valued in God’s service, but that does not include becoming bishops.

Rev Robert Weissman, Peel Road, South Woodford.