Priesthood and Laity (original) (raw)

Women, Priests and the Anglican Church in Southern Africa: Reformation of Holy Hierarchies

It is my view that the exclusion of women from priesthood, as well as the theological shifts which persuaded otherwise, have not been dealt with on clerical or grassroots levels of the church. The gendered language used for clergy and God frames the argument made in this paper. Particularly in the Anglican church of Southern Africa, male priests continue to address one another as ‘father’ – ignoring the presence of women clergy present or calling them by their first names. The year 2017 marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the ordination of women priests. This presents a(new) context for the church – clergy and laity, male and female – to be intentional about seeking to reform perceived genderedness of God and transform gender stereotyping of priests. I understand myself to be working from a feminist ‘theo-ethical’ perspective as I hold the view that the way we understand ourselves in relation to God informs our beliefs, attitudes and actions toward the ‘other’. In this paper I ex...

The Question of Women's Ministry

BACKGROUND AND ABSTRACT This document is a personal submission to a Commission established by the Apostolic Church in New Zealand (the movement/denomination is now known as; ACTS Churches New Zealand) to “Consider the Question of the Release of Women’s Ministry”. The Commission was established in 1990 and completed its task in 1992. Its historic outcome could now be described as the establishing what is now their (ACTS Churches) biblical and functional egalitarianism in regard to leadership praxis. In this document the author/submitter, John Douglas addresses his response to the Commission’s four questions, namely: 1. The role of women in local Church government. 2. What do you see as the Scriptural boundaries for women in ministry? 3. Do you see a distinction between the role of the single and married women in ministry? 4. What steps should be taken to release women more in their gifts and ministries? In his “Preamble” Dr Douglas states: “In my responses to the four questions upon which the submissions are to precede I have re-ordered them under the priorities that the rest of this paper will cover, I have attempted to work in a "research model" and will forward in summary my "conclusions or submissions" at the end of the presentation. In response to this I have spent a considerable period of time in reading and research in the Denver Seminary library, in discussion with several of the Professors, also I had the privilege of attending an annual symposium of the "Christians for Biblical Equality" (Front Range chapter) in Denver which, has contributed to not only the preparation of what I am presenting, but also calling me to a fresh consideration of my own Biblical mindset in these important areas of Christian service. I have taken as the first area in my presentation the second question in part, looking at, "what is the Biblical teaching"? As I believe this is the line upon which we should proceed. In fact we have always maintained as an Apostolic Church that our praxis should be the product of our Biblical doctrine and fundamental positions. It is most important that in these matters we follow the clear teaching of Scripture on which we will build contemporary practices (which will change as our society is fluid and dynamic, not static), though the principles that we (as a denomination) are founded on will not change, we must increase our Biblical perception as we seek to live in a continuing exegesis of the Scriptures.”

Nexus Between Church and Gender

STJ | Stellenbosch Theological Journal

Interface between the Bible and ideas about gender and church mission work in Africa is a phenomenon that calls for discussion within theological forums. Despite both men and women being active in church activities, the early church depicts men as being at the forefront while women quietly participated. Concerning the missionary era, men publicly were the leaders as women followed or privately served as the personal assistant or as administrators. In addition, looking now at the contemporary church, in the traditional (orthodox) churches, the so-called historical or mainstream churches, men take the top leadership roles while women deputize them. However, this position is being challenged by the new religious movements and Christian ministries movements where women are usurping the top leadership positions. This paper therefore seeks to paint a seemingly more balanced account of gender roles that would benefit men and women alike by exploring historical and theological leadership ro...

From the Pantry to the Pulpit: Anglican Clergywomen in the Diocese of Trinidad and Tobago

2012

Introduction This study had its genesis in a call for papers for this special issue of JENDA: A Journal of Culture and African Women Studies. This call indicated that submitted articles should focus on "both historical and contemporary views of African and African descended women serving as religious leaders." The call for papers inspired one of us (Joyanne) to contact the other (Shelley-Ann) via email and suggest to her that this was an opportunity to relate an untold story of the experiences of Anglican clergywomen in Trinidad and Tobago, most of whom are of African descent. We agreed that we should not pass up this chance. We met and discussed the project over breakfast one Friday morning and so this enquiry was born. We are committed to this pioneering research project on clergywomen within the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Trinidad and Tobago. In our written proposal for this project, Joyanne declared: This paper presents an opportunity for me to realize my parish...