Historic Anglican Landmark

It is now five months since the Anglican Synod narrowly approved the ordination of women priests. This issue has been described as "the most divisive dispute within the Anglican Church since the Reformation". Deep convictions were held on both sides of the argument and passionate feelings were expressed when the result was announced: outbursts of joy by many in favour, and distressed concern by those in opposition.

There has been a clear majority for the ordination of women both in the House of Bishops and the House of Clergy. Uncertainty lay in how the vote would go in the House of Laity. Would the necessary two-thirds majority be forthcoming? In the event this was achieved by a margin of only two votes. Overall there were 384 votes in favour and 169 against, a majority of 215.

In strongly advocating that the legislation be approved, the Archbishop of Canterbury maintained that "the ordination of women alters not a word in the creeds, the Scriptures or the faith of our church". We might as well ask how he explains the apostle Paul's teaching in 1 Cor. 14:34, "Let the women keep silence in the churches"; a directive closely followed in verse 37 by the reminder that "the things which I write unto you ... are the commandment of the Lord".

Equally in 1 Tim. 2:11-15 Paul spells out a clear message as to the

place of women in public spiritual service. The reasons given for the subject place of women are not merely to meet a local situation at that time, as some have argued. The apostle bases his instruction on abiding principies deriving from the initial status of Eve in relation (0 Adam, and from her yieldin(2 to the tempter in Eden. Throughout the age of the Law a similar subjection had been enjoined (1 Cor. 14:34). If as claimed by Dr. Carey the ordination of women does not "alter" Scripture, it must surely fly in the face of the principles laid down in the passages just referred to. Much neare~ the mark were the comments of a bishop who declared: "If this is approved, the authority of Scripture in the decision-making process of the Church of England will be inexorably and totally weakened".

Discussion of such scriptures as mentioned above was not prominent in reports of debates leading up to the final vote by Synod. The emphasis by

Anglo-Catholic opposers of the motion lay in a different direction. The Lord had initially bestowed this ministry on male apostles, and only men could appropriately represent the Lord in certain aspects of spiritual service. They were also concerned that ordination of women would be a barrier to ecumenical progress, making union with the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches more difficult.

This ecumenical aspect was touched upon by Archbishop Carey, who considered that "constructive, loving relationships with our sister Churches can, and will, continue whatever the outcome of our vote". However, reaction from the Vatican did not endorse that view. The decision was described as "a new and grave obstacle" to talks on unity. "The Catholic Church, for well-founded theological reasons, does not feel it has the right to authorize such ordinations", said one Vatican spokesman. The Eastern Orthodox Church will also find the Anglican move towards the ordination of women a further hindrance to ecumenical unity.

The Synod's historic decision has resulted in deep searchings of heart among many Anglicans who oppose

the ordination of women. One influential lady felt compelled at once to resign from the Church. "I have been becoming more and more disillusioned with the Church of England", she said. "Its doctrine is doubt, its creed is compromise, and its purpose appears to be party politics". Doubtless many Anglo-Catholics will tend to look towaids the Church of Rome. For evangelical believers who are concerned to know the leading of the Holy Spirit through God's Word there is a scriptural way out of the dilemma.

Apostolic teaching and practice, as revealed in our New Testament, led disciples of Christ to be associated together in churches of God. Within those churches neither men nor women were "ordained" as priests. There was no special "clergy" as distinct from "laity". The New Testament churches of God functioned under the guidance of "elders", spiritually mature men who in humility of mind served one another in their care of the flock (1 Peter 5:1-6). So it may be today. God is still calling His children out from traditional associations to form churches of God after the pattern of Holy Scripture.

unknown | Apr 1993
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