Many people do believe that women should be ordained.

Arguments you might come across whilst discussing the merits of the ordination of women are shown opposite.

If you strongly disagree (or even agree) with these arguments - join the discussion forum and enjoy a conversation with others who have a strong interest in this area.

Scripture

There are many examples of women fulfilling leadership roles in both the Old and New Testaments, but no examples of Christ ordaining either men or women to the priesthood. Ordination came later.

Experience

Given the above distortions in the present theology of the church on women, it is urgent that we must to listen to women's voices today as they articulate a call to priesthood. To continue to ignore women who have a vocation to the priesthood is to perpetuate an institutional injustice.

Theology

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27)
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)
The above texts emphasise that both women and men are made in the image of God. One of the main arguments against the ordination of women is that women are not made in the likeness of Christ. Do not women show Christ like characteristics such as love, compassion, personal concern, nurturing, wisdom and sacrifice? What is essential is Christ's humanity not his maleness.

Justice

It is unfair on men to expect them to shoulder alone the burden of celibate priesthood. It is unfair on women that 80% of pastoral workers in the worldwide church are women, yet no positions of authority are held by women.