Women in the Priesthood

My church experience goes back to 1951 when I began attending the Congregational Church, Manchester Road, Nelson. Many years before that the Congregational Church ordained it first women ministers. Since 1972 this church became known as the United Reformed Church when it united with the former Presbyterian Church of England. Other denominations have joined since that time. By the time 1972 was approaching I was appointed delegate by my then church in East Anglia to the Annual Assembly where the possibility of union was discussed. In the debates there were clergy and laity alike speaking against the proposed union because in their view it was "not scriptural". On the other side of the debate a massive majority in favour of union was audibly making its presence felt. Not only were there hundreds of people in favour and ready to vote accordingly but you could hear the sound of stamping feet of the younger ones who were growing very impatient with all the arguments against. Those trying to stop the union looked like King Canute trying to stop the tide coming in.

I cannot speak about the debate on ordination of women but I have no doubt that those not in favour tried to stop natural progress by so speaking. I would not mind betting that those against were quoting scripture in Paul's letters outlining the role of women in church (to stay silent etc) and referring to Jesus calling twelve men as disciples. But this has nothing to do with the matter. In every facet of the role of priest, regardless of hierarchy, I can see nothing which could not be done well by women as well as men. I also think it perfectly ridiculous that the Church of England should even have to vote on matters such as special provision for priests who prefer not to serve under women bishops. One thing that has certainly changed for the better is that it is no longer a man's world. To state that a woman is not a proper person to officiate as a bishop is to show great disrespect for women.

Those in the Church of England who state that women should not be part of the episcopacy because Jesus called men only for his ministry might like to ask what Jesus thinks of a diocese that raises a seven figure sum of money simply to place a tower on its cathedral. The Nazarene, I am certain, would be scathing about such a disgraceful waste of money just as he was when he cleansed the temple in Jerusalem. It seems to me that our poor unfortunate Church of England has more than its fair share of self interest in both its priests and laity. I am pleased that they have taken the risk of losing over 1,000 priests in voting the way they have done. If the numbers game is the measure of a church then we are doomed already. We in the church have lost thousands and thousands of members since I joined but the result is a remnant that is faithful to Jesus. We are now down to the faithful core and the few are those who will keep the church of Jesus Christ afloat in this nation until it's next revival.

These days I have found that my beloved URC is not the only friendly denomination. I have been warmly received by a wonderful local Methodist church and we are getting along fine and finding practical ways to serve God and humanity. The Methodist Church too has a tradition of women priests and many of these perform senior tasks well when called, as they often are. If I am any judge there are more women than men coming forward to train for the ministry. That is only good news as far as I am concerned. Women are a vital part of society and are as effective in what they do as any male counterpart.

After accepting women priests in 1994 it is ludicrous to deny them as bishops in 2008. A bishop is a senior priest with wider responsibilities. If a woman can be a good priest she can be a good bishop too. The church today can do without all the people who bang on about what happened in Palestine over 2,000 years ago. We are following an example, not a set of rules. In his day, Jesus told the people that the law they were so keen on following was bogging them down and that there was a job to be done which was based on love for humanity and service to God. Just read the Parable of the Good Samaritan. It's all in there!