Australia's Anglican bishops have agreed that parishes that cannot in good conscience recognise the ministry of a woman bishop will be offered the services of a male bishop.
Quote taken from here. In other words, they're saying, "disregard the principle (we're doing away with it), but in order to appease you, we'll give you your preference (that is until the new precedent become commonplace, accepted and substituted as the new principle.)"
3 comments:
Would you mind posting on what the Bible says on male/female leadership? It's one of those things where I have an answer, but only a hazy explanation of why I hold to my answer.
Gen 3:16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
1Ti 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array.
1Ti 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
1Ti 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
1Ti 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
1Ti 2:13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
1Ti 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
1Ti 2:15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
To Quote (Sean): "Would you mind posting on what the Bible says on male/female leadership? It's one of those things where I have an answer, but only a hazy explanation of why I hold to my answer."
Response: Sean, 1 Timothy 3 sets the qualifications of elders in the church, which is limited to men (i.e., "husband of but one wife"). You may follow with interest some overtures coming up before the PCA general assembly to establish a study committee on the issues you raise (particularly in the area of whether women may serve as "deacons" or "deaconesses" and whether that involves an ordained office or not; but also issues of leading in worship, where they may teach, etc.)
A seminary professor once stated "when it comes to leadership (i.e., particularly when it comes to rule and authority), the Bible is clear that this is limited to men in the church, it is limited to the man in the home, and as far as precedent is concerned these provide an example for other areas in life. However, this is not to say that women have not served (and done a good job) in positions of leadership and authority in the past; but scriptural examples of this are generally when men have been unavailable or unwilling to step up and fulfill the role.
You may also note there are differences among believers on some of these issues.
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