The Independent News Source
NCR on Kindle - NCR classifieds - YouTube - Twitter - Facebook - Email Alerts - RSS
Printer-friendly version
PDF versionIn the Anglican Church, Sexism Still Runs Deep
by Jamie L Manson on Aug. 19, 2011
Although these events were difficult, it was possible to manage well as a woman in the secular workplace, because the structures were not sexist. So I knew that the law of the land entitled me to work as an engineer, and that the procedures of our company demanded equality. Furthermore, almost all of the managers, and especially the managing director, were enthusiastically committed to equality. . . .
Imagine if we were talking about black priests and Williams had said: "Racism is a permanent fixture of the Church of England. The pastoral need to care for priests who do not accept the ministry of black people will not go away." Not cool. We need to see sexual discrimination in the same light as racial discrimination – they are both unjust and dehumanising.
Early this week in the Guardian, Lesley Crawley offers a comparison of the sexism she faced as an engineer and the sexism she now faces as a priest in the Church of England.
Crawley describes enduring catcalls, lewd gestures, and blatant displays of pornography by her male co-workers in the factory where she was an engineer. She writes:
The Church of England is different, because the sexism is institutionalised, and that makes it more oppressive. Parishes can vote to opt out of discrimination legislation, and this compromises the whole church, as sexism is seen as tolerable. In fact, we aren't meant to call prejudice against women "sexism" at all: it is meant to be called "legitimate theological difference". For me, if it walks, swims and quacks like prejudice, then it is prejudice.
Crawley’s reflection was prompted by the recent appointment of two new “flying bishops” in the Church of England.
What is this episcopal position, you ask? Flying bishops are appointed specifically to oversee priests and congregations that refuse to accept the priestly ordination of women.
Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said that these positions would be “permanent fixtures” because “the pastoral need will not go away.”
In response, Crawley makes another comparison:
The Church of England began ordaining women in 1994 (though the vote took place in 1992). Nearly two decades later, misogynist practices are still protected by the highest ecclesial office.
For those of us who continue to struggle for women’s equality in the Roman Catholic Church, it’s a helpful reminder that, in many ways, getting women ordained is just the beginning of the battle.
Subscribe to NCR
Want to read more about important issues in the life of the Church? A subscription to NCR will keep you up to date and informed.
Homophobia and misogyny are
Homophobia and misogyny are very much present in most of the world's religions. The Church of England is no exception. These so called "flying bishops" are in practice, very bad theology and a poor model for being Church. Continuing the tradition of devaluing others is sadly, part of the "institutional illness" that must be addressed in all branches of the world's religions. It is unacceptable and immoral. It takes a very long time for the necessary changes that will help heal these wounds inflicted on women, the glbt community and those with different views. We might add another group that is attacked and that would be the so called "progressive thinkers". In today's hierarchy in The Church of England, there are conservatives and progressives at opposite ends on many issues but in the end, inclusiveness and equality must be dealt with in an honest and open manner or the Church will NOT heal and move on. Those so called "flying bishops" only provide a platform to continue the unofficial policy of inequality of women and the glbt community in the wider Church. This is unacceptable.
This is a very telling
This is a very telling observation: that the protocols provide some measure of security and confidence (or modicum thereof) that the "institution" of the profession and workplace do not condone or tolerate acts of sexism. Moreover, some degree of redress is available.
While catholics who support the status quo, likely will not agree, the exclusionary stance of the church is sexist rationalized with a non-sensible theology and irrational authority. Thus, regardless of the concessions to entry into administrative and other, non sacramental roles, the institution, the protocols and, God forgive us, the theology itself is sexist.
The racist analogy really does shine light on the injustice, but at least the Anglican/Episcopalians have started out upon the road and the validity of the comparison cannot be refuted by "blaming Jesus".
You think that's bad. You
You think that's bad. You should read what prominent Anglican Muriel Porter had to endure some time ago from Melbourne Catholic Bishop at the time, Mark Coleridge.
Clerical narcissism at it's very worst and he with a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture from Rome.
When the RCC arrives at
When the RCC arrives at ordination for women, it will be good that we have this issue of "theological distinction" on the table, up front. Thank you, Jamie Manson.
You can't simply reduce
You can't simply reduce opposition to priestesses to sexism. Even if sexism exists among some of the opponents of priestesses both inside the Anglican Church & out, you can't tag it with that label. People oppose this abomination from a faith perspective.
For a true Catholic (even an Anglo one) the intersection of women & priests is the empty set (there is no intersection). Anglo-Catholics believe they have valid orders up until the 1970s but they do not believe that women ordained as priests & bishops in their Church have valid orders. Hence they want the "flying bishops" to ensure that they have the valid sacraments & a true lifeline to sanctifying grace.
Even paulte who hates the abomination of the priestess has no problem with equal opportunity in employment & a 100% ban on any type of sexual harassment. His opposition to the abomination of the priestess is a faith issue.
Post new comment