InternationalThe exclusion of women from the priesthood
Published: Thursday August 20, 2009
Sir:
"Armenian Church ordains 27 men to the priesthood" (Armenian Reporter, August 1, 2009), and not a single woman?
For sure there must be some Armenian women who have the desire and are qualified to be priests, probably more than their male counterparts. There is no sound theological reason for the exclusion of women from the priesthood. The worldwide Christian Church, in all its current varieties, would most likely not have come into existence if not for the dedication of the the three women at the "empty tomb" and the subsequent efforts of Saul/Paul of Tarsus.
I am also amazed at the dedication and support that Armenian
women continue to provide to an institution that excludes them from its
most important functions. Will they remain the silent majority?
Very truly yours,
Simon Y. Balian
New York, N.Y.
The writer, an attorney, obtained a graduate degree in theology before attending law school.
