Women Outnumbered Men in '06 Ordinations

BobVigneault · #1 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 07:46 AM

They won't be coaxing this genie back into the bottle anytime soon - I mean to shout!

Women Outnumbered Men in '06 Ordinations

The Associated Press
Tuesday, November 13, 2007; 4:48 AM

LONDON -- Women outnumbered men among newly ordained priests in the Church of England for the first time last year.

The church added 213 women priests in 2006 and 210 men, according to a report released Monday.

However, men continued to outnumber in paid positions - 128 to 95 among the new priests - and the total number of men in the priesthood was 7,001 compared with 1,495 women.

The total number of women ordained last year was just short of the record of 216 in 2002, the church said.

The Church of England began ordaining women as priests in 1994, and is now debating whether women could serve as bishops.

JBaldwin · #2 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 12:02 PM

Too bad God doesn't allow for this!

Of course, I'm not serious. It is quite clear from Scripture that women should not be ordained into positions of leadership in the church. But since we are on the subject--has anyone considered why this is happening?

Poimen · #3 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 12:09 PM

The men are not taking up their responsibilities and so woman are filling the gaps. We shouldn't blame feminism for these things.

"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?"

1 Peter 4:17

Daniel Ritchie · #4 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 12:11 PM

Quote:

The Church of England began ordaining women as priests in 1994, and is now debating whether women could serve as bishops.

Maybe they should debate whether or not they should have bishops at all.

etexas · #5 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 03:06 PM

As a former member of the Anglican Communion......sometimes I wonder if the COE will be around in 25 years. As for Anglicans outside the UK, I predict they will continue but will split along "party" lines.

AV1611 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 04:01 PM

It is very hard to be an evangelical in the CofE nowadays especially if you are seeking ordination.

See for example: Former Conservative Party Leader’s Son Refused Ordination by Church of England

There is increasingly a realignment where evangelical Churchmen are seeking partnership with nonconformists such as Presbyterians and Baptists. Personally I would see a big change in the next 10-20 years in the UK.

One of the difficulties is that many evangalicals are not at all Reformed.

AV1611 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

Maybe they should debate whether or not they should have bishops at all.

I think you are correct if by that you mean the view of bishops we kept from Rome but, whilst I agree with Presbyterial government, I am not convinced you are correct mate.

http://churchsociety.org/crossway/do...leadership.pdf

Daniel Ritchie · #8 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AV1611

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

Maybe they should debate whether or not they should have bishops at all.

I think you are correct if by that you mean the view of bishops we kept from Rome but, whilst I agree with Presbyterial government, I am not convinced you are correct mate.

http://churchsociety.org/crossway/do...leadership.pdf

Obviously, as a Covenanter, I must protest.

DMcFadden · #9 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 05:02 PM

In mainline denominations, women often outnumber men in seminary classes. Many of them seek placement in social services and other non parish roles. However, given the theological orientation of many of them, I think you can blame feminism. My wife, herself a seminary graduate, rolls her eyes when most "women in ministry" speak or write. Her quip: "Paul was right."

etexas · #10 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AV1611

It is very hard to be an evangelical in the CofE nowadays especially if you are seeking ordination.

See for example: Former Conservative Party Leader’s Son Refused Ordination by Church of England

There is increasingly a realignment where evangelical Churchmen are seeking partnership with nonconformists such as Presbyterians and Baptists. Personally I would see a big change in the next 10-20 years in the UK.

One of the difficulties is that many evangalicals are not at all Reformed.

Very good point Richard. As a voting Lay-Delegate I got to meet a lot of Conservative Anglicans....however, as you stated many fall into an Evangelical camp, and some are not friendly to Reformed views.

Daniel Ritchie · #11 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AV1611

It is very hard to be an evangelical in the CofE nowadays especially if you are seeking ordination.

See for example: Former Conservative Party Leader’s Son Refused Ordination by Church of England

There is increasingly a realignment where evangelical Churchmen are seeking partnership with nonconformists such as Presbyterians and Baptists. Personally I would see a big change in the next 10-20 years in the UK.

One of the difficulties is that many evangalicals are not at all Reformed.

That was an interesting article; while many of the evangelicals may not be Reformed now, they may well be led to embrace more Reformed views as they mature.

etexas · #12 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

Quote:

Originally Posted by AV1611

It is very hard to be an evangelical in the CofE nowadays especially if you are seeking ordination.

See for example: Former Conservative Party Leader’s Son Refused Ordination by Church of England

There is increasingly a realignment where evangelical Churchmen are seeking partnership with nonconformists such as Presbyterians and Baptists. Personally I would see a big change in the next 10-20 years in the UK.

One of the difficulties is that many evangalicals are not at all Reformed.

That was an interesting article; while many of the evangelicals may not be Reformed now, they may well be led to embrace more Reformed views as they mature.

I think some might. I think some might get tired of it all and "Swim the Tiber".

AV1611 · #13 (**permalink**) 11-16-2007, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

That was an interesting article; while many of the evangelicals may not be Reformed now, they may well be led to embrace more Reformed views as they mature.

We can hope and pray

kvanlaan · #14 (**permalink**) 11-16-2007, 07:47 AM

Quote:

But since we are on the subject--has anyone considered why this is happening?

I think Rev. Kok had it nailed down. Deborah was not the model to follow, she was a stop-gap measure when the men would not stand as they were commanded.

(I agree,)

(but am not happy about it!)

In this day and age when metrosexuality is all the rage, is it any wonder?

Pergamum · #15 (**permalink**) 11-16-2007, 08:12 AM

Metrosexuality?....

Hmmmmmm....

... reminds me of a joke asking, " Why can't Episcopalians play chess?"

The answer: They can't tell the difference between a queen and a bishop.

AV1611 · #16 (**permalink**) 11-16-2007, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pergamum

... reminds me of a joke asking, " Why can't Episcopalians play chess?"

The answer: They can't tell the difference between a queen and a bishop.

I don't get it

kvanlaan · #17 (**permalink**) 11-16-2007, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Metrosexuality?....

You know, 'manly' manicures, pedicures, waxes, etc. A 'safe' sampling of the gay life. Stylish, but not 'overboard'. Well kept.

etexas · #18 (**permalink**) 11-16-2007, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pergamum

Metrosexuality?....

Hmmmmmm....

... reminds me of a joke asking, " Why can't Episcopalians play chess?"

The answer: They can't tell the difference between a queen and a bishop.

As a former Anglican/Episcopalian......ouch!.....and sadly true....one the reasons I left! Now I am going PCA.....Chess anyone?

JBaldwin · #19 (**permalink**) 11-16-2007, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMcFadden

In mainline denominations, women often outnumber men in seminary classes. Many of them seek placement in social services and other non parish roles. However, given the theological orientation of many of them, I think you can blame feminism. My wife, herself a seminary graduate, rolls her eyes when most "women in ministry" speak or write. Her quip: "Paul was right."

Speak or write? Where is this in the NT? Paul forbids women to be elders or deacons, and they are not to lead churches or preach. I don't see anywhere that forbids them to speak to other women or to write. The fact is many women are highly gifted to teach, write and speak, just not in the assembly of the believers. Frankly, it is area of contention with me, as I see gifted women relegated to the nursery, children's church and the social committe, rather than encouraged by the men in the church to exercise their gifts among the women. As a woman who knows her place, but also knows the call of God on her life, I can understand why frustrated women finally give in and head for the pulpit. I was tempted to do so myself more than once.