forum for information and dialogue remains alive, active, and preserved
for future generations?
Finally, with these questions and concerns in mind, I return to the central
issue noted at the beginning of this article: Women in the Priesthood.
After patiently reading, listening, researching and praying about this issue,
I have come to believe that those women who feel a true calling from the Lord
to become priests in the General Church should be given an opportunity to
apply to Theological School on the same basis as do male applicants through
an intensive application process.
It is interesting to note that the Master of Arts in Religious Studies (MARS)
program, available since 1996 to both men and women with accredited
undergraduate degrees, has been awarded to 37 students to date with two
more graduates probable in May. Should this occur, twice the number of
women (26) than men (13) will have received this degree. This has become
a very important and successful program, but it does not take the place of
Theological School, nor was that the intent.
Fifty years ago, young ladies did not engage in competitive sports at the
Academy. It was not thought to be ladylike. Forty years ago, women were
not permitted to become members of the Boards of the General Church or
Academy, let alone serve on committees of real importance, such as a pastor’s
council. And less than 30 years ago, but for the necessary Girls School Principal
and Dean of Women for the College, women did not serve in executive
leadership roles.
Today, with enlightenment, that has changed for the better. It’s still far from
perfect, but is definitively better. And the women who now serve on boards,
on important committees, and in executive leadership roles, have brought
with them the professional skills, credentials and perceptive insights that have
complemented and enhanced the life of the Church and its schools. They
have clearly added a new vitality and freshness, and a new complementary
viewpoint so necessary to the important work at hand.
Since Bishop Keith’s policy statement last September, 16 people so far
have resigned from the General Church. Many were highly talented, longtime volunteers, leaders and supporters of the Church. This is both sad and
disturbing indeed! To date, nine women have gone elsewhere to become
credentialed chaplains or priests in other ministries, or to preach by invitation
at one of the independent New Church congregations springing up in rented
buildings and homes (those not officially recognized by the General Church). I
am told by those who know that at least 10 more women feel the Lord’s calling
and would willingly begin the work to become priests in the General Church
if given the opportunity to do so.
While I appreciate