By What Authority?

The debate in the Anglican Communion on the ordination of women priests continues. Recent infringements of Canon Law, which governs the Church of England 'priesthood', have added fuel to the controversy. 1978 could well be the year in which the disputants on both sides will need to 'stand up and be counted'. The subject is on the agenda of the Lambeth Conference, the 10-yearly discussion assembly of Anglican bishops, which is due to meet again this summer. The question will be further considered by the law-making bishops of the General Synod who meet in November. No doubt they will take into account any guidelines emerging from Lambeth.

Support for the ordination of women 'priests' is gaining strength among Anglicans. But many in favour argue that its implementation at the present time would be divisive. The Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church remain officially opposed. In these circumstances any movement towards the admission of women into the Anglican 'priesthood' would be a severe jolt to the 'Christian Unity' which is the goal of the ecumenists. Added to this is the risk of a split within the Church of England itself. These considerations could deter the bishops of the General Synod from reaching a definite conclusion at their November meeting. But the debate will go on, and the indications are that the majority view will prevail in due course. It is only a question of timing.

The proposal under review brings into focus a question of much wider significance. This is what concerns us here. Hence the query, By what authority?

There is no authoritative basis for Christian doctrine outside Holy Scripture. Elsewhere we have attempted a comparison with Scripture of some of the doctrines and rituals of Christendom (e.g. see two articles entitled, "Church and State", Needed Truth, July! August, 1972).

The positive teaching of the apostles of our Lord on the place of women in the public services of New Testament churches of God was ably examined by our co-worker J. L. Ferguson in two articles entitled, "The role of women in churches of God", which appeared in this magazine in November and December last. It is advanced by some in reply to the instructions of the apostles on this subject, "Paul was dealing with a local situation. He was certainly not issuing an edict for 1978". Such reasoning will just not stand up. Paul's teaching on the place of women in the churches is based, not on local circumstances, but on fundamental principles of the relationship of the sexes in God's purposes (see 1 Cor. 14:34,35; 1 Tim. 2:11-15). And Paul was an authorized apostle - the gift of the ascended Lord (Eph. 4:11).

Many born again Christians in the Church of England are increasingly disturbed by the departure from Reformation principles by some of their leaders. The extreme ecumenical stance of Dr Coggan, the present Archbishop of Canterbury, has shocked many, particularly in view of his strong 'evangelical' leanings before reaching that high office. Likewise on this subject of women 'priests' there is deep unease among those who hold firmly to the authority of Holy Scripture. But they don't seem to have a voice. Where are the leaders who will 'stand up and be counted' and speak for the silent minority?

It is sad to find a leader of the calibre of Dr David Sbeppard, the present Bishop of Liverpool, who has been regarded as firmly rooted in the 'evangelical' camp, lending his support to a proposal which is a clear contravention of Holy Scripture. An article on women 'priests' appeared recently in a highly respected provincial newspaper. In the centre of the page was a quotation from 1 Cor. 14:34,35. Underneath in bold type was this statement:

"Very near the centre of Christianity is Christ's purpose of breaking down barriers which divide people, whether the barriers be between races or classes or sexes. Women have particular gifts and insights and the ordained Ministry of the Church is the poorer if we deny those who feel called by God to the priesthood the opportunity to test that calling in the same way as men can." (Bishop David Sheppard).

In this comment Paul's words are ignored. No explanation of them is offered. Are we to assume from the Bishop's statement that Paul and Christ were at variance, and that the apostle's injunction in 1 Cor. 14:34,35 has set up a barrier between the sexes? Or that Paul was lacking in Christian charity? Again, we enquire, By what authority?

unknown | Apr 1978
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