Church of England Allows for Women Bishops

By: Amanda Roley

LONDON--July 14, 2014 will be a day marked in history. The women in the Church of England are now able to become bishops.

Charlotte Waters of Cambridge said,“If that’s what she wants to do than good for her, and that’s good for women in general who are in the world of religion.”

The measure passed with the required two-thirds majority vote from the three bodies of the General Synod: The House of Bishops, The House of Clergy, and the House of Laity.

The measure will now go before parliament. If approved, the general synod will make a formal announcement at its next meeting in november. This means the first female bishop could potentially be appointed in the next year. 

Some Londoners believe this progressive decision is long over due. 

“About time. Really, it shouldn’t be a sexual thing, it should be who ever cares and wants to be within that profession or within that lifestyle,” UK resident David Beasley said.

Simon Kilby of Yorkshire is another supporter of the measure. Kilby calls the General Synod’s decision a growing pain of today’s society.

“People get stuck in their ways, you know people are big believers in traditions, religion--whatever that might be,” Kilby said. “That’s absolutely fine, but we’ve gotta move forward, right?”

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby released a statement, following the final vote, in support of women becoming bishops as well saying, “I am delighted with today’s result.”

But there’s also the belief that the traditional roles of men and women should be upheld within society. 

“It’s very important that men and women have the same opportunities, but I think it can still be respected that men take up certain roles,” Waters said. “I think different genders are suited for different things--I just think that sometimes a man might be better at something than a woman.” 

When it comes to gender equality, the question of whether the women will do the job just as good as men tends to arise. 

“Is there any reason why they can’t?” Kilby said. “I don’t see why not. You know if there good enough, then fine, they can do it.” 

The General Synod’s decision to allow women to become bishops comes 20 years after the Church of England ordained the first women priests. It will be interesting to see what historical decision the church will make within the next 20 years.

Tea for Two: Traditional Afternoon Tea

By: Amanda Roley

LONDON--I came to London with a mission to enjoy traditional afternoon tea--and bring home tons of it. 

Monica and I stumbled upon a tea room just across the street from Harrod's shopping mall in Knightsbridge. 

The Richoux tearoom was the epitome of elegant.

As you enter, you're greeted by sweet and colorful treats. I was instantly mesmerized by the cheesecake covered in strawberries, macaroons, and white chocolate and dark chocolate pudding. So many choices!

We sat down under a twinkling chandelier that hung from the sky painted ceiling. Next to us on the wall, a picture of an amused and calm looking women peered at Monica and I as though she was welcoming us to our first tearoom experience.

Traditional english tea served at the Richoux is called Richoux breakfast blend. It's a strong black tea that typically pairs with milk and sugar. How much sugar and milk all depends on your preference Richoux Supervisor Enver Hodolli said.

"Me, I prefer black and strong," Hodolli said.

The tradition of afternoon tea came from the aristocrats because they could afford to enjoy fine tea and tasty treats everyday Hodolli said. 

The Richoux's afternoon "tea for two" is served with two tea pots, two cakes, four scones with creme, two strawberries, and two slices of fruit cake. 

Hodolli has worked at Richoux for 12 years, and he said his favorite part of afternoon tea is the scones.

"I really like the raisin scones," Holdolli said. "I'll eat those with a lot of creme on the side."

Continuing with the "tea for two" theme developing here, Hodolli said the Richoux offers their afternoon tea starting at 2 p.m. 

"Afternoon tea is good because it's light and wakes you up," Hodolli said. 

After letting the tea steep for a bit, I sipped at the hot blend before adding any milk or sugar to try it's original taste first. In fact, my inherent love for tea was blown away at how great it tasted. It was strong and most importantly didn't have a bitter aftertaste, which is what a lot of teas sold in the U.S. taste like.

I was hooked! Cup after cup, I just couldn't get enough of the tea I waited so long to enjoy here in London.

My mission was complete, and even have the tin of tea to show for it.  Now my next step is to find a traditional English tea cup and saucer to drink my authentic afternoon tea from.

Westminster Abbey: Celebrating life and death

By Amanda Roley

As you climb the stairs out of the Westminster station, you can’t help but draw your attention upward at the two large Gothic style towers reaching up to the sky. The iconic Westminster Abbey stuns its visitors when they find it is in fact even more grand than they imagined. 

Once you’re able to take in the rest of the surroundings, it can be hard to believe that, what already appears to be cramped streets and sidewalks, could maintain nearly one million people. That is, for one particularly recent royal event.  

“For the royal wedding of Will and Kate, about 19,000 guests attended,” London Blue Badge Guide Sarah Speller said. “And nearly half a million people lined the streets outside the Abbey to celebrate the big day.”

Not only is Westminster Abbey the official location for weddings of the royal family, it’s the home for not all--but many royal coronations.

“Every royal has been crowned here since 1066, which is when King William the Conqueror crowned himself king in Westminster,” Sarah said. 

Therefore, this major tourist attraction not only serves as a church, but it’s also recognized as a place of celebration in both life and death. 

From the floors to the ceiling, this site is the final resting place for many of Britain’s former kings and queens. Such as Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, the Tudor sisters whose sibling rivalry they took to the grave.

Three kings, King Edward the Confessor, King Henry III and King Henry VII all played significant roles in building the church, and were also buried at Westminster.

That’s not to say it’s only the royals who are buried on the church’s grounds. Even some of the most influential figures also find rest or given recognition at Westminster. Names including William Shakespeare, Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens and Jane Austin. 

Regardless of what purpose Westminster Abbey serves, it won’t cease to amaze the wondering travelers from all around the world.