Regular readers of this blog, and those who follow me on Twitter, will be aware that I have refrained from commenting on the furore over Women Bishops, and the pending arguments that the Anglican Synod will have. I wrote a post recently called "Don't be Scared, be Sensitive", in which I argued we need to keep talking and listening to all sides. Please read and heed that before going further with this post.
I've blogged before on what I think about women in leadership, in a series of posts spread over a period of time. The most pertinent to this debate is also the most recent - "Elders, Pastors and Other Words" and so I would probably (note that I'm not an Anglican so my opinion is less useful than others) be against the ordaining of female bishops. Thats because of my understanding that 'elder' and 'bishop' are very closely related words, and because I think that in terms of church order they often mean similar things. That does not mean that I am against women teaching, preaching, running services, leading within the life of a church, or leading a church per se. I feel, and I've explored this elsewhere, that the particular position of elder (or in this case bishop) is restricted according to gender.
A friend on Twitter shared this video - which I thought excellent. Anglican verbiage and so on aside, he makes some excellent points. To what he says, I would add/observe that;
It is possible that a total (flat?) egalitarianism is God's will and what Scripture is moving towards.
It is possible that people throughout the church have been wrong, as we have on other issues.
It is certain that people who oppose the ordination of women (Whether generally, or specifically to the office of bishop) do not do so out of a hatred of women, but out of deeply held theological convictions.
It is certain that the church is not ours, it is Gods. Thus God's views and what God has said is of prime importance.
It would be a radical change, when compared to the other historic, episcopal churches (rather than any self-appointed bishops) to open it up to women, and would possibly damage the cause of Christian unity.
In my mind, to impose women bishops on those who cannot in conscience accept them, is to ignore one of the best things about the Anglican Church, its via media. Convoluted, compromising and complicated that the via media is, it is a valuable principle for holding a church together. My prayer is that a way forward will be found that honours Jesus, listens respectfully to all, and allows the mission of the Church to move forward. As a non-conformist who is sympathetic to my Anglican brothers and sisters, it frustrates me sometimes when incredibly intelligent and articulate people argue amongst themselves rather than get on with fulfilling the Great Commission. Before anyone accuses me of trying to silence women, I want to say that that is precisely the opposite of what I want to do. A recent guest post demonstrates my living out/practising (By posting!) the fact that I believe that women are equally important in Church leadership to men.
My prayer is that the conversation would be one of grace, that respect would be had for both sides (fellow conservatives, can we please stop accusing people of things?), and that the Lords leading would be utterly sought.
_______
I know that this post, and my opinion, will result in comments/unfollows/whatever. I hope I don't offend anyone. I wrote a post recently called "Don't be Scared, be Sensitive", in which I argued we need to keep talking and listening to all sides.
_____
UPDATE 20/11/12 19:15 PM
The C of E General Synod has just (as in, literally, by the skin of the teeth just) voted 'No' to the legislation. The next few years continue the conversation. My post still stands, and I'd highly reccommend Jake Belder's superb post (he is a con-evo in the C of E) as further reading.
I've blogged before on what I think about women in leadership, in a series of posts spread over a period of time. The most pertinent to this debate is also the most recent - "Elders, Pastors and Other Words" and so I would probably (note that I'm not an Anglican so my opinion is less useful than others) be against the ordaining of female bishops. Thats because of my understanding that 'elder' and 'bishop' are very closely related words, and because I think that in terms of church order they often mean similar things. That does not mean that I am against women teaching, preaching, running services, leading within the life of a church, or leading a church per se. I feel, and I've explored this elsewhere, that the particular position of elder (or in this case bishop) is restricted according to gender.
A friend on Twitter shared this video - which I thought excellent. Anglican verbiage and so on aside, he makes some excellent points. To what he says, I would add/observe that;
It is possible that a total (flat?) egalitarianism is God's will and what Scripture is moving towards.
It is possible that people throughout the church have been wrong, as we have on other issues.
It is certain that people who oppose the ordination of women (Whether generally, or specifically to the office of bishop) do not do so out of a hatred of women, but out of deeply held theological convictions.
It is certain that the church is not ours, it is Gods. Thus God's views and what God has said is of prime importance.
It would be a radical change, when compared to the other historic, episcopal churches (rather than any self-appointed bishops) to open it up to women, and would possibly damage the cause of Christian unity.
In my mind, to impose women bishops on those who cannot in conscience accept them, is to ignore one of the best things about the Anglican Church, its via media. Convoluted, compromising and complicated that the via media is, it is a valuable principle for holding a church together. My prayer is that a way forward will be found that honours Jesus, listens respectfully to all, and allows the mission of the Church to move forward. As a non-conformist who is sympathetic to my Anglican brothers and sisters, it frustrates me sometimes when incredibly intelligent and articulate people argue amongst themselves rather than get on with fulfilling the Great Commission. Before anyone accuses me of trying to silence women, I want to say that that is precisely the opposite of what I want to do. A recent guest post demonstrates my living out/practising (By posting!) the fact that I believe that women are equally important in Church leadership to men.
My prayer is that the conversation would be one of grace, that respect would be had for both sides (fellow conservatives, can we please stop accusing people of things?), and that the Lords leading would be utterly sought.
_______
I know that this post, and my opinion, will result in comments/unfollows/whatever. I hope I don't offend anyone. I wrote a post recently called "Don't be Scared, be Sensitive", in which I argued we need to keep talking and listening to all sides.
_____
UPDATE 20/11/12 19:15 PM
The C of E General Synod has just (as in, literally, by the skin of the teeth just) voted 'No' to the legislation. The next few years continue the conversation. My post still stands, and I'd highly reccommend Jake Belder's superb post (he is a con-evo in the C of E) as further reading.
Good post, Tom, some helpful thoughts here. I've got a post publishing later today on this same issue too.
ReplyDeletethanks for the comment Jake! Looking forward to reading your post.
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