This cartoon by Matt from The Daily Telegraph relates to today's vote of The Church of England General Synod on whether to allow women to become bishops. The outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury and his successor, the Right Reverend Justin Welby, support the move. A majority of Church members are also in favour, but strong opposition from traditionalists and a complicated votes system mean the outcome is uncertain. Read more >>
THE CARTOON
A woman bishop spots another woman bishop in church. They are both wearing the same hats.
EXPLANATION
The cartoon relies on the (sexist?) cliché which suggests that women can't stand to be seen wearing the same clothes as other women at a party, wedding, or other such event. The joke is that bishops all wear the same hat (called a mitre), so the woman bishop's reaction is illogical. But that's women for you!
VOCABULARY
A bishop is a senior member of the Christian clergy, usually in charge of a diocese and empowered to confer holy orders.
GRAMMAR NOTES
1. Note that we say 'the same as something' not 'the same than something'.
2. The plural of 'woman' is 'women' (pronounced 'wimmin').
ALSO SEE
• Women bishops: Church of England General Synod to vote (BBC News)
• Q&A: Women bishops vote (BBC News)
• Women bishops: judgment day, at last (The Telegraph)
• Should women be bishops? (The Guardian)
