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.
I would ask Khorenh if such an unprecedented number might have happened sooner if the women who were called to be priests were allowed? I do not see a negative spin being placed on this event, merely a question being raised related to it. He has every right to raise the question as the women of the 1860s would have the right to point out that their sex was not allowed to take part in the election of President Lincoln, nor of any other president for decades to come. Why women could not vote in America or run for president is a natural question which accompanies this auspicious event. To pose it does not take away from the greatness of Lincoln or the presidency in itself. This kind of shouting down at those who would bring up this subject is reminiscent of the very thing I wrote about in my message here "Silenced not silent majority".
By Vartan at August 27, 2009