I remember reading an English daily of Bangalore, 1981, which carried a report on the Anglican Church of England proposing a draft legislation ordering that, “Within the historic three-fold ministry, the order of deacons is an order open to women”. It was further commented, “If eventually passed the legislation would set up a single diaconal order giving women and men equal status”. Thirteen years later, the same church ordained 32 women priests at a time (The Telegraph, April 14, 1994). It was also reported that the Vatican saw the event as a “major setback”. However, outside the venue, some Catholic women, supporting the historic change in the ministry of the church demonstrated carrying banners “Equal rights and Catholic women next”. It was reported sixteen years later, that the first Catholic woman, Maria Vittoria Longhitane, was ordained a priest on May 23, 2010 (People’s Reporter, June 2010). These two churches may not be among the toughest to break traditions as the above events have witnessed. Opponents are always there in any proposal for change and respecting the opinion of the opponents is a Christian duty too. I redressed these two cases in the backdrop of the report that the Anglican Church has consented to ordain women to be bishops.Some Baptist Churches in the North East India are very concerned whether or not God will accept women ordination for full fledged ministry. Culture plays an important role in shaping our Christian thought but in question of women ministry our culture has taken a repressive stand. If there will be a chance to gather all the male pastors (ordained or otherwise) in front of the throne of grace and there Jesus would ask the men folk, “DID YOU SEE YOUR SISTERS ON THE WAY?”, then men would point to the traditions of the elders, more specifically, our culture. On further question by Jesus whether he saved only men and not women who should return to him in grateful service, men might still point out that housekeeping in the Lord is equally important ministry. Today, women not only outshine men in many areas of life and women population outnumber men, thus ever increasing the need of ministry among women. Baptist churches speak more and more about equality, justice and fraternity in the church. Where lies the reason for preventing the women from ordaining and allowing them full time ministry? I am speaking as one who, at times receive the elements of the Supper from ordained women ministers while outside our bounds. This I believe will be done also by any staunch male minister opposing the proposal here at home.
Ezamo Murry, Dimapur
