Five years ago, in his Presidential Address, Archbishop Rowan mused about the challenges facing the Anglican Communion and the Church of England. He pointed us in the direction of listening to others and recommended that we find a prayer partner who thought differently about women bishops!

I lost no time seeking out a priest– who had impressed me when he had preached in my church a few years before and seemed to fit the bill. With only minimal hesitation, he accepted my proposition.

We worked ten minutes from each other. For four years, we met twice a year. We got on well as long as we avoided the topic in question. In the past year circumstances have changed, the physical distance between us has increased but I now feel in more contact than I had done previously. I have more idea of his ministry and for whom I am praying.

I have learned that our reasons for and against women bishops are not the opposites of each other. We are coming from different angles and pass each other by rather than head on. I long for the church to reflect in its structures that women and men are both made in the image of God. He desires unity with the long established Christian churches, which to me looks like a club for men with no place for me.

I was surprised when this articulate and able man described how uncomfortable he felt when unable to receive the sacraments from women colleagues. I have not changed my views on the Measure, but I do wish to get to know people who take a different view and affirm them and their ministries. Above all, I have gained a most valued friend.

Susan Cooper, London