The former Archbishop of Canterbury has branded as "inexcusable" the Catholic Church's failure to warn his successor of their plans to admit disaffected Anglican priests.
Lord Carey of Clifton told The Times that he was "appalled" that Dr Rowan Williams only learned of Rome's intention to publish a new Apostolic Constitution to allow the move two weeks ago.
"I think in this day and age, this was inexcusable that Rome decided to do this without consultation," he said.
Lord Carey added: "He should express his unhappiness with the process."
He said that he was taken by surprise by the development although he admitted that he had been aware of "a number of bishops going to Rome and having conversations".
But he told the newspaper that the move was "worth considering."
"There are a number of deeply worried, anxious Anglo-Catholics who do not believe they have a constructive future with the Church of England with the ordination of women as bishops.
He added: "This could go a long way to helping."
Hundreds of Church of England priests who oppose the ordination of women have been meeting and are expected to discuss the issue.
Forward in Faith will hear from a number of Bishops as part of their annual conference including a keynote address from Rt Rev John Hind, the Bishop of Chichester who has staunchly resisted the move.
