During the delegates’ conference held in Malawi in November 2023, the Synod, at least in the central province which consists of dioceses from Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, turned the tables around to vote, probably for ever, to allow for ordination of women in the ministry, at least for countries that are willing to do so.
The question of ordination of women has in the past created a controversy around how African Christian women face many sexist and theological obstacles to ordination, both in the Anglican and other churches. In 2013 at a Provincial Synod the motion failed, despite previous efforts and appeals by those dioceses ready to allow them which included Botswana. Out of 14 dioceses, 10 voted against the ordination of women.
