Bottlenecks in equating gender in church

From time immemorial, women have played second fiddle to men in almost all sectors of life.

However, the question would be: gender equality, yes! But to which limit can women assume positions of authority in society? Should we allow women to assume leadership positions in the church?

Worldwide, there has been a lot of controversy over the role of women in church. The main conflict comes over two passages of the Scripture from Paul.

On 1 Corinthians 11:3, Paul says: “Now, I want you to realise that the head of every man is Christ, the head of the woman is man and the head of Christ is God”.

Some people understand this passage to mean that women have to submit to their husbands.

In some cultures such as Ngoni, every male is supposed to be above women; however young or insignificant in society.

Islam is one of the religions that does not give room to women. Sheikh Alidi Iron of Usumani Masjid in Machinga says it is against the teachings of Qur’an for a woman to deliver a sermon no matter how educated she may be.

Iron, however, states that some women are allowed to hold positions of influence albeit their authority is limited to fellow women.

“A woman can preach in the presence of fellow women during their special prayers like dawa only,” explains Iron.

Much as he supports the 50:50 women representation in decision making psotions, he thinks women’s influence should be limited to earthly circles.

“In churches or mosques, women are supposed to listen to men in silence. That’s what both the Bible and Qur’an teach us,” said Iron.

But in his book, The Role of Women in the Church, Sandy Simpson argues that just because women are in submission and men are allowing it, it does not mean that women have no role to play in the Church.

According to Simpson, evidence from history shows that many have been saved and discipled by women and many churches have been planted by them.

Simpson stresses the need for believers to understand that both men and women are made in the image of God, not just men.

It is also important that believers remember that God blessed both men and women, calling them “man”. Therefore this is not a sexist term, but a godly one.

Ephesians 4:8 says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives in His train and gave gifts to men.” And 1 Timothy 2:4 says: “Who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Joel 2:29 gives the real picture that God calls both men and women to serve Him. God said even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour my Spirit in those days. All have equal access to the Christ and all are one in Christ.

Father Henry Saindi of the Roman Catholic Church says the question of whether women can lead the church is as controversial as it is contentious.

Saindi further states that only laymen can be installed ministers in the Catholic Church to pick positions such as lector (reader of the word of God) and Acolyte (one who can distribute Holy Communion whenever there is need).

Thus, in the Catholic tradition, women cannot be ordained as priests.

Saindi cautions that as much as the Church is human, people have to remember that it is divine, and; therefore, cannot be subjected to the values of the earth.