Wrong!

Vesta is the virgin goddess of the hearth, home, and family in Roman religion. Vesta's presence is symbolized by the sacred fire that burned at her hearth and temples. The importance of Vesta to Roman religion is indicated by the prominence of the priesthood devoted to her, the Vestal Virgins, Rome's only college of full-time priests.

Rome was in many ways a society that respected the position of women, and celebrated their contribution and significance. When Rome fell to the barbarians, such an equal view of community was rather lost for centuries. The Church grew as a place where gender conferred either the power to control, or the second-class place of the controlee.

The General Synod of the Church of England today failed to agree that women could be consecrated bishops.

My question is whether a Church so clearly out of step with society still deserves the benefits of Establishment. Or is, indeed, legally entitled to it. A dark day!