The ordination of women

Right now, in Rome, the Women’s Ordination Conference is taking place where women and Catholic activists from around the world are calling for equal participation of women in the Roman Catholic Church (deacons, priests, bishops).

“By including women as priests, the church would not only model Jesus’ radical example of equality as recorded in the Bible, it would have a powerful and positive impact on solving the complex problems we face today,” said Aisha Taylor, executive director of the Conference. “In a world divided by poverty, stunned by economic crisis, and continually reeling from sexism, racism, homophobia, and many forms of oppression, it is long overdue for the Vatican to use all of its resources to work toward a solution.”

According to the organization, “The Pontifical Biblical Commission found in 1976 that there is no scriptural reason to prohibit the ordination of women. The Bible describes how women were prominent leaders in Jesus’ ministry and early Christianity. In all four gospels, Mary Magdalene was the primary witness to the central event of Christianity-Christ’s resurrection. The Scriptures also mention eight women who led small house churches, including Phoebe, Priscilla, and Prisca. ”

This has been an issue in many churches. I think the Scripture that most are confused about is 1Timothy 2:12-15, which says, ” Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.”