Women Bishops

The recent failure of the Church of England Synod to pave the way for the ordination of women bishops is bemusing.

 

There still remain Christians who think that, because it was the way in Biblical times, it must remain the way in 2012.   Going back to the days of the Bible we see a chauvinistic society.   But this is no reason to declare it valid today.   It was part of the culture in those days, whereas today, secular society is showing some Christians how to express love and respect for each other.   To keep women excluded in this way is not a Christian activity.   There are echoes here of the days of the suffragettes.   Because of the activities of Mrs Pankhurst and her friends we, today, are much more able to respect and treasure the input of women in daily life in all spheres and at all levels.

 

My opinion, for what it is worth, is that women are generally better at empathy than men.   They can get closer to the victims of society.   These victimes are numbered among those to whom Jesus commissioned Peter to go.   In John Chapter 21 he said, "Simon Peter, do you love me?   Peter replied, "Yes, Lord.   You know I love you."   "Then feed my sheep." answered Jesus.   It is my contention that women priests are actually better equipped to do this than their male counterparts.   They possess the necessary qualities in abundance as part of theirt nature.

 

One clergyman is quoted as saying that in a family the roles of father and mother are not interchangeable.   My response is that society has seen it demonstrated that it is often the mother who proves equal to the task of being head of family when her husband is no longer there.   There is no case for preventing the ordination of women to any position in any church.   You might not like it or agree with it but the fact is that, in the eyes of God, all are equal.   This is what we preach and it is what we believe.

 

Get real.