Which Christian Religions Allow Women to Be Priests?


Sharing is Caring


Many Christian religions have been open to ordaining women for many years, while others still do not allow it. The role of a priest has traditionally been reserved for men in many branches of Christianity. However, there are several denominations that now allow female priests.

The Episcopal Church was one of the first major Christian denominations to break with tradition and begin appointing women as priests in 1974. Other Christian faiths followed suit in subsequent decades including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), and the United Church of Christ among others.

“The church must be inclusive; it must show all our people how their gifts can be put to use. ” – Rowan Williams

Despite progress being made towards gender equality within various religious institutions, some sects continue to adhere to traditional patriarchal structures. Women face particular difficulty within Catholicism which prohibits them from becoming ordained into any sacramental position such as deacons or priests.

If you are curious about which Christian religions advocate for female priesthood and inclusivity then keep reading!

The Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church is one of the Christian denominations that has female priests. It is a part of the Anglican Communion and, therefore, shares some core beliefs with other Protestant traditions.

In 1976, The General Convention of The Episcopal Church voted to ordain women as priests and bishops. Since then, many women have been ordained in the church.

Women who are called by God participate fully in the life and leadership of The Episcopal Church. They preach sermons, celebrate Holy Eucharist and administer sacraments.

The move towards gender equality was significant for The Episcopal Church since it challenges centuries-long tradition where men dominate religious hierarchies. Proponents argue that women should receive equal opportunities across all walks of life including religion.

“We believe that all people are created equally in Godโ€™s image, and after generations studying scripture, science, reason, and experience together we openly accept that this includes full access to holy orders for both men and women, ” said Canon Lallie Lloyd from All Saintsโ€™, Frederick.
In conclusion, among the various Christian religions globally, some allow women to hold senior positions within their faiths. One such denomination which believes gender-equality in worship is important is The Episcopal Church. While not everyone agrees on exactly what roles should be reserved specifically for men or women โ€“ discussions around gender neutrality continue within society – what is abundantly clear is that there is no shortage of dedicated individuals willing to serve their faith-based communities regardless of gender identity.

History of Women’s Ordination in The Episcopal Church

The ordination of women has been a hotly debated topic for centuries in many religions, including Christianity. In the United States, The Episcopal Church was one of the first Christian denominations to ordain women.

In 1974, eleven women were ordained as priests by controversial bishops who believed that gender should not be a barrier to ministry. This sparked fierce debate within the church and led to division between those who supported female ordination and those who did not.

Despite backlash and resistance from conservative factions within the church, more and more women continued to pursue careers in ministry. In 1989, after years of contentious discussions at national conventions, The Episcopal Church finally voted to allow the ordination of women as bishops.

“If God indeed can call both men and women into all forms of service… then why does this same loving God restrict full recognition according to sex?” – Bishop Barbara Harris

Today, there are numerous Christian religions with female priests, but The Episcopal Church remains one of the most progressive in its inclusion of women in leadership positions. As society continues to progress towards greater equality between genders, it is likely that we will see even more strides made towards inclusivity in religious circles.

Current Status of Women Priests in The Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church has ordained women to the priesthood since 1974, making it one of the first Christian denominations to do so. Today, more than a third of all priests in the church are female.

However, not all dioceses within the church ordain women. As of 2021, there are still six dioceses that have never ordained a woman as priest or bishop.

The nationwide debate on whether or not women should be allowed to serve as bishops ultimately resulted in The Episcopal Church approving and consecrating its first female bishop in November 1989: Bishop Barbara Harris of Massachusetts.

“We cannot hide our heads in sand; we must confront sexism, ” Bishop Harris said at her consecration service.

In recent years, several other Christian denominations have followed The Episcopal Church’s lead in ordaining women as priests and bishops including:

  • The Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA)
  • The Presbyterian Church (USA)
  • The United Methodist Church

Despite progress across some denominations towards gender equality among clergy members, many churches still forbid females from serving as clergymen. This remains especially true for certain Orthodox sects like the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodoxy Churches who reserve clerical roles exclusively for men.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with over 3. 5 million members in nearly 9, 000 congregations across all 50 states and the Caribbean region.

One notable aspect of ELCA’s leadership structure is its acceptance of female pastors and bishops. In fact, the denomination ordained its first female pastor back in 1970, well before many other Christian traditions allowed women to enter into clergy positions.

Today, more than half of all ELCA seminary students are women, and approximately a third of all active ordained ministers within the church are female. This emphasis on gender equality has made the ELCA an appealing choice for those seeking a faith community that values diversity and inclusion.

“The core message of Christianity is about love without boundaries โ€“ we believe that means embracing people from all walks of life as equals. “

In addition to allowing female pastors, the ELCA also supports LGBTQ+ rights and recognizes same-sex marriages. These progressive beliefs have caused some controversy among more conservative-leaning Christians but have endeared the denomination to others who seek a modern interpretation of scriptural teachings.

All in all, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America offers a welcoming environment for those seeking a faith-based community that prioritizes social justice, inclusivity and gender equality.

How Women’s Ordination Became Accepted in The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The issue of women’s ordination has been a debated topic among different Christian denominations for decades. Some churches have actively supported the idea, while others remained opposed to it.

However, in striking contrast with these positions came an unexpected shift amongst many members of The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), leading many to embrace female priests and pastors within their church structure.

This milestone was not achieved overnight; several years of dedicated efforts from advocates created platforms for dialogue that paved the way for more informed decisions regarding leadership roles. Eventually, the ELCA voted at its 2009 Churchwide Assembly conference to alter its policy manual formally stating โ€œministerial discernment and preparationโ€ are based on professional rather than gender considerationsโ€”visibly permitting both male and female leadersโ€”and forever setting them apart from other groups still opposing female clerics.

“We believeโ€ฆthat God calls both men and women into all ordained ministries of this church. โ€ โ€“ Statement Approved by ELCA General Convention

In conclusion, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Americaโ€™s unprecedented decision reflects gradual improvements towards inclusivity throughout modern society concerning gender equality. This is already established practice amongst some religious denominations such as Anglicanism’s Episcopalians or Methodists which possess numerous clergy who are women.

Successes and Challenges for Women Priests in The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has been ordaining women priests since 1970s. Today, the church boasts of a large number of ordained female pastors serving various congregations across the United States.

One significant success is that many ELCA congregations now embrace gender equality, allowing female pastors to take up leadership roles previously reserved for men only. This is a departure from the traditional patriarchal view that women should not be spiritual leaders or preachers.

However, the road has not always been smooth for female pastors in ELCA. Despite being accepted, they still face challenges such as sexism, discrimination and even harassment. Some members of their congregation do not respect them as spiritual leaders or doubt their ability to lead due to cultural beliefs and stereotypes about women’s abilities.

“Women have had to fight harder than male counterparts within denominations where patriarchy rules, ” said Rev. Kelly Chatman, senior pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Minneapolis who advocates for gender equality among ministers.

Another challenge facing women priests is equal pay compared to their male counterparts despite performing similar duties and responsibilities. While more work needs to be done towards achieving full acceptance of women into religious leadership positions,

It is encouraging to see that some Christian religions are beginning to shift away from discriminating against women when it comes to ordination matters – prioritising talent over gender.

The United Methodist Church

The United Methodist Church is one of the Christian religions that have female priests. In fact, it has a long history of women serving in ministry roles starting from Susanna Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley who were the founders of Methodism.

Women can be ordained as deacons or elders in The United Methodist Church and are also eligible for appointment as pastors. The church believes that all people are called by God to serve humanity, regardless of gender or race.

According to the Book of Discipline (the governing book of The United Methodist Church), “men and women are equal partners in service. ” This means that both men and women have equal opportunities to lead ministries and serve as pastors.

In 1956, The United Methodist Church granted full clergy rights to women, making it among the first mainline Protestant denominations to ordain women. Today, there are more than 10, 000 active female United Methodist ministers worldwide.

“We value diversity and inclusion, ” says Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, president of the Council of Bishops. “Gender should never be a factor when it comes to discerning one’s call to ministry.
In conclusion, women play an important role in ministry leadership within The United Methodist Church. It recognizes that anyone can answer Godโ€™s call regardless if they are male or female. And this practice is common amongst some other Christian faiths like Anglicanism/Episcopalianism which allows woman bishops/priestess due their belief about accepting females who โ€œfeel calledโ€by God into offices…

Recent Developments Regarding Women’s Ordination in The United Methodist Church

The United Methodist Church officially began ordaining women as deacons in 1956 and as elders in 1980, but the issue of female ordination has been a source of division within the denomination. In February 2019, delegates at a special General Conference voted to maintain the church’s ban on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ clergy. However, there was also a push for further inclusion of women, with amendments proposed to remove language that “women are not to be ordained” from church laws.

In May 2021, an unprecedented number of United Methodist leaders endorsed four regional plans that would allow progressive and conservative factions in the denomination to separate into self-governing churches while maintaining some connection through shared assets and resources. One of these plans includes removing barriers on ordaining women due to theological differences amongst denominations.

“The one thing we can say is itโ€™s clear this way forward will result in greater freedom regarding decisions related to womenโ€™s full participation like never before, ” said Rev. Tom Berlin, who served on the team tasked with developing the separation proposals.

This shift towards inclusivity may come as no surprise given other Christian religions which have proceeded far beyond their previously strict practices relating to gender roles in religious leadership positions. Both Anglican and Lutheran Churches now recognize female bishops after amending their discriminate policies.

Challenges Faced by Women Priests in The United Methodist Church

The United Methodist Church has been known to be inclusive, diverse and supportive of the rights of women. However, when it comes to allowing women to serve as priests, some challenges are still facing them.

One such challenge is gender bias. The traditional beliefs about male priesthood still exist in some parts of the church hence raising eyebrows among members. For example, there can be a resistance from certain congregations or worshippers who do not believe that women should have this role.

Another significant issue that women face while serving as priests is difficulty being endorsed for leadership positions like bishoprics because of their sex. This too highlights sexism at work and prevents female leaders from reaching their full potential within the organization.

“Itโ€™s so often assumed that men get appointed bishops whereas we all know that clergywomen make fantastic bishops, ” says Rev. Emily Allen Williams, an ordained UMC elder. “

Last but not least, women also experience limited opportunities compared to men; limited exposure to preaching appointments and different roles which would help them grow experientially in their service. Such limits prevent them from gaining credentials necessary for advancement in ministry and overall progression up through hierarchical ranks.

In conclusion, even though the United Methodist Church allows for ordination of females into priesthoods; skewed perceptions against their merit hinder growth opportunities significantly influencing progress ultimately despite escalating levels of equality across various sectors today.

The Anglican Church of Canada

When it comes to Christian religions with female priests, The Anglican Church of Canada is a progressive denomination that has been ordaining women since 1976.

The decision to allow the ordination of women as priests was not an easy one and came after years of debate within the church. However, today, approximately 30% of all active Anglican clergy in Canada are women.

Female priests in the Anglican Church of Canada have played important roles in promoting gender equality and social justice both within their church communities and beyond. They have also become increasingly visible on the global stage at events such as the Lambeth Conference.

“The ministry and presence of women in our leadership has become essential for building stronger congregations and a more just society, ” said Archbishop Linda Nicholls, who currently leads the Anglican Church of Canada.

While The Anglican Church of Canada may be one of the most well-known Christian denominations with female priests, it is not alone. Other denominations with ordained women include:

  • The Episcopal Church (USA)
  • The United Methodist Church (USA)
  • The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
  • The Presbyterian Church (USA)

Despite progress made over recent decades toward greater inclusivity and diversity in religious leadership, there is still much work to be done to achieve true equality for all individuals regardless of their gender or other personal characteristics.

History of Women’s Ordination in The Anglican Church of Canada

In 1975, the General Synod passed legislation allowing for women to be ordained as deacons. This was followed by further legislation in 1984 that permitted women to be ordained as priests.

The decision to ordain women was not without controversy and resistance. Many traditionalists saw it as deviating from long-held beliefs about who should hold positions of authority within the church hierarchy.

“The idea of female priests goes against everything the Bible teaches us. ” – Anonymous Traditionalist

Despite this opposition, the number of female clergy within the Anglican Church of Canada has steadily increased over time. In fact, today, nearly a third of all Anglican clergy in Canada are women.

The move towards gender equality within religious institutions is not exclusive to the Anglican faith either. Other Christian denominations have also begun welcoming female leaders into their clergy ranks including the Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), United Methodist Church, and Presbyterian Church (USA).

Current Status of Women Priests in The Anglican Church of Canada

The Anglican Church of Canada has been ordaining women as priests since 1976, when the first woman was ordained. However, it was only in 1994 that full equality between male and female priests was officially recognized by the church.

Today, there are many female priests serving throughout the Anglican Church of Canada, including some who hold leadership positions within their dioceses or congregations. However, despite these advances, there is still a long way to go before gender equality is fully realized within the church.

Some members of the Anglican Church oppose the ordination of women on theological grounds, arguing that only men can be validly ordained as priests according to scripture and tradition. Others support women’s ordination as an important step towards achieving gender equality within the church and society more broadly.

“The time is long past due for our churches to recognize that God calls people to ministry regardless of gender, ” says Reverend Dr. Karen Egan, Rector at St. Paul’s Bloor Street Anglican Church in Toronto.

The issue of women’s ordination continues to divide not just the Anglican Church but other Christian denominations as well. Currently, several mainstream Protestant denominations besides the Anglicans also allow for female clergy, including Lutheran Churches and United Methodist Churches.

The Presbyterian Church (USA)

The Presbyterian Church (USA) is a Christian denomination known for their progressive views and inclusive practices. They ordain women as pastors, elders, and deacons.

In 1956, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church voted to allow the ordination of women as ruling elders. In 1964, they extended that privilege to female deacons as well.

It wasn’t until 1974 that the General Assembly finally approved the ordination of women as ministers of Word and Sacrament. Since then, countless women have been ordained and are serving in pastoral positions throughout the denomination.

Their commitment to gender equality doesn’t stop at just ordination. The Presbyterian Church (USA) has also taken active steps towards promoting inclusivity within their congregations and leadership positions.

“We confess our prejudices, our lack of faith, our slowness to respond to God’s call. “
– Book of Confessions
Overall, The Presbyterian Church (USA) stands out among other Christian denominations for their long-standing practice of allowing women to serve as leaders in all areas of ministry. Their dedication to inclusion and diversity sets an example for others to follow in creating more equitable religious communities.

Progress and Setbacks for Women’s Ordination in The Presbyterian Church (USA)

The Presbyterian Church (USA) has been at the forefront of discussions regarding womenโ€™s ordination since 1956, where they ordained their first female elder. Throughout the years, there have been continued efforts towards allowing women into pastoral positions despite opposition.

In 1983, the General Assembly passed an amendment that declared: โ€œThe confessions do not limit participation in worship or service on the grounds of gender. โ€

It wasnโ€™t until 2014 when The PC(USA) officially allowed openly gay ministers to be ordained; however, it still took another two years before they finally approved changes to permit individuals in same-sex marriages to take office as pastors.

“There is always a tension between those who believe that Scripture calls us to restrict leadership roles based on certain criteria and others who hold that such limitations are discriminatory. “

While progress has been made with LGBTQ+ inclusion within the church, the issue of womenโ€™s ordination continuously remains contentious. In recent years, some conservative members had proposed removing language from its constitution that permits the denominationโ€™s splintering into more polarized factions over issues such as homosexuality or acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; this would inevitably hinder any further progression or even regress previously gained headway.

Despite setbacks like these being faced by The PC(USA), many other Christian religions already have female priests. Some examples include Anglican/Episcopalians (ordained women in 1976), United Methodist Church (ordained women in 1956), Evangelical Lutheran Church (ordained women in 1970), and Unitarian Universalist Association (ordained their first woman minister in 1863).

Success Stories of Women Priests in The Presbyterian Church (USA)

The Presbyterian Church (USA) has a long history of female leadership, including women priests. One success story is that of Rev. Denise Anderson, who was elected as the Co-Moderator of the General Assembly in 2016.

Another remarkable woman priest is Rev. Susan Andrews, who served as the first female Moderator of the General Assembly from 2001 to 2002.

In addition, there are many other examples of women who have served and continue to serve as faithful leaders and pastors in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

“We did not say it was going to be easy; we said it was going to be worth it. ” -Rev. Barbara Lundblad

Despite facing obstacles and opposition at times, these women have persevered and made significant strides towards equality within their denomination.

Their inspiring stories reflect how Christian religions can evolve with changing societal norms and values while staying true to their core beliefs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Christian religions allow women to become priests?

Several Christian religions allow women to become priests, including the Anglican Communion, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the United Church of Christ. In addition, some independent Catholic and Orthodox churches also ordain women as priests.

What is the history behind women becoming priests in certain Christian religions?

The movement for women’s ordination in Christianity began in the 19th century and gained momentum in the 20th century. The Anglican Communion ordained its first female priest in 1944, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America did so in 1970. Other Christian denominations followed suit in the following years, with some facing backlash and schisms.

How do Christian religions with female priests differ from those without?

Christian religions with female priests often have a more progressive and inclusive theology that emphasizes gender equality and social justice. They may also prioritize the role of community and collaboration in worship, rather than hierarchical authority. However, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as each denomination has its own unique practices and beliefs.

What are the beliefs and values of Christian religions that support female ordination?

Christian religions that support female ordination typically believe that all people are created equal in the eyes of God and that gender should not be a barrier to leadership or spiritual authority. They may also emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the church and the value of women’s voices and perspectives in shaping religious doctrine and practice.

What challenges have Christian religions with female priests faced?

Christian religions with female priests have faced a variety of challenges, including opposition from within their own denomination, discrimination and exclusion from other religious institutions, and criticism from more conservative or traditionalist members of their community. They may also struggle with issues of representation and visibility, as women continue to be underrepresented in religious leadership roles.

What is the current status of female ordination in different Christian denominations?

The current status of female ordination varies widely across different Christian denominations. While some, like the Anglican Communion and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, have fully embraced the ordination of women, others, like the Roman Catholic Church and some Orthodox churches, continue to prohibit women from serving as priests or bishops. There are also many denominations that fall somewhere in between, allowing for the ordination of women in some contexts but not others.

Craving More Content?

Christian Educators Academy