http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/8263/
The Convocation of Anglicans in North America intends to continue the purported ordination of women to the Diaconate, a move approved by the Church of Nigeria, and now also intends to introduce the purported ordination of women to the Priesthood...
From Bishop Martyn Minns:
Another arena where we have both opportunities and challenges has to do with the question of women’s ordination. From the inception of CANA we have made it very clear that we are committed to the full participation of women in the life and leadership of the church. We recognize that among biblically faithful members of the Anglican Communion there are differing theological positions as to whether women should serve in ordained ministry. There are, as have been described, TWO INTEGRITIES: those who believe that women should NOT be ordained at all and those who do believe that women can serve in ordained ministry– although within the latter group there are differing understandings as to whether this includes priesthood and extends to congregational oversight and serving as bishops.
Ordination is not only a response to God’s call on an individual but it is also an action of the church. At this time the Church of Nigeria, to which we owe canonical obedience, has no provision for the ordination of women although there has been acceptance of women in the order of deacons. At their most recent gathering the Church of Nigeria’s General Synod tabled discussion about ordination of women to a future date. Archbishop Peter Akinola has stated that while he supports this action he recognizes that there needs to be freedom for CANA to take a different direction because of its North American context. In light of this commitment to embrace both integrities we have received applications from congregations and female clergy with the expectation that women clergy will be licensed to continue their ministry. In anticipation of this Council I appointed a task force under the leadership of Archdeacon Adedokun Adewunmi and the Rev’d Bill Haley to prepare recommendations as to next steps.
The members of the task force included advocates of widely differing perspectives. They are working on a number of possible ways in which we can move forward as a united community while recognizing both integrities. I have asked that they be available to discuss their deliberations with members of this Council. They acknowledge that while they have not yet come to one mind as to a recommended direction they have made enormous progress in the time that they have worked together. In light of this I propose the following:
• We will keep our promise to honor both integrities within CANA and fulfill our commitment to the full participation of women, in the life and leadership of the church. We will seek to do so in such a manner that both those who are unable to support the ordination of women and those who embrace it will know that their position has been honored.
• We will continue to accept applications from qualified congregations and female clergy with the expectation that women clergy will be licensed to continue their ministry within CANA. We will request permission of the Church of Nigeria to ordain appropriately qualified women candidates to the diaconate within CANA as soon as possible.
• We will continue to look to a task force to continue work on this issue. We will expect them to develop a unified recommendation regarding ways in which we maintain our commitment to both integrities and at the same time provide the necessary theological framework pastoral procedures and canonical provision for the ordination of qualified women to the presbyterate within CANA. (!) I am fully aware that this is a topic of concern for many clergy and congregations throughout CANA and one that produces intense reactions. It is therefore my prayer that we will take these next steps looking for the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth and guard our common life and witness.
Emphasis and italics added.
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6 comments:
It would be a big mistake for CANA to ordain women as priests. I say this as a former ECUSA presbyter who saw the folly of this innovation. Just another step to break the back of catholic orders in order to advance the gay agenda.
As for women deaconesses (not deacons with a liturgical role), the Orthodox are revisiting this and it may be that mature women who have raised their children should be provided a way to minister "officially", especially to younger mothers, as the St. Paul injoins them to do. Anglo Catholics don't seem even able to consider this possibility. Why is that?
Dear Alice,
Thank you for your lovely note! The APA does indeed have a ministry of lay deaconesses, who are set apart for their special ministry by a sacramental blessing from the Bishop with the imposition of his hand. They are trained in a rigorous course of theological study and are usually assigned to the service of sunday school teaching, Christian education, Altar guild and works of corporal mercy. Like the Church of England and the Lambeth Conference from 1920, our jurisdiction has sought fully to restore the ancient and venerable ministry of the Deaconess, which is not sacramental ordination, but is a unique and distinctive ministry in the Body of Christ. God bless you and thank you for reading!
This is very encouraging! If I had known of this possibility I would have sought to serve in this capacity in the APA, but now I have joined Orthodox Church. There are other women of my age and training who should be made aware of this. Some former women "priests" have left TEC and the priesthood, but have no official vocation. Surely this is a needless waste of talent.
I wonder if many women have sought ordination because the church has failed to offer them legitimate ministry as deaconesses.
I enjoy reading your blog. God bless you and those you serve!
What exactly is a deaconess? I am a woman considering ordination; however I am conservative and do not wish to divide the church catholic. My gifts thus far seem to be ones of leadership, teaching, preaching, academic theology (I am about to begin a PhD in theology), church planting. Thanks.
Dagos, Phoebe was regarded as a deaconess by the Apostle Paul. She was a servant of the Church and performed some duties that were at great personal risk, such as carrying St. Paul's communique to the Christians in Rome.
With all due respect this is double speak. How can you allow women to be ordained as priests and consider you are honoring the standpoint of those who believe it is not biblical? As Alice stated, the ordination of women is the first step in the advancement of the homosexual agenda towards priesthood which will ultimately cause a schism in CANA. A quick review of denominations that have trod this path before provides a clear picture of the result.
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