The Independent News Source
Twitter - Facebook - Email Alerts - RSS
Monk expelled for ordaining four women
by Thomas C. Fox on Nov. 19, 2009
Printer-friendly version
Send to friend
PDF versionThe popular monk Ajahn Brahm has been disciplined by the Thai forest monastery sangha founded by the Venerable Ajahn Chah because he was involved in ordaining four women as nuns, orbhikkunis, in a ceremony on October 22 at his Bodhinyana Buddhist Monastery in Perth, Australia.
Now where have I heard this story before?
This from the blog, "Religion, Sex and Politics."
The Wat Pah Pong Sangha's action of excommunication (revoking Bodhinyana's status as a branch monastery) has resulted in a firestorm of controversy in the Theravada Buddhist world. The ordination of nuns is illegal under Thai Buddhist law because the order of nuns became extinct sometime between the 11th and 13th centuries, after which, the argument goes, no new bhikkhunis could be ordained since there were none left to preside over an ordination.




Okay. Their religion, their
Okay. Their religion, their rules, I suppose.
To clarify: If they have a
To clarify: If they have a particular theological reason why ordaining female monks is not an option, then we need to respect that. we cannot expect people to respect our church's position on the issue unless we reciprocate.
On the other hand, if the ordination of female monks is a possibility, then there is no reason not to allow them as full a status as their faith allows.
To use a Christian example, some Lutheran groups allow female ministers, but (especially in more conservative circles) often they are restricted in where and how they can lead the congregation. Eg they might be allowed to use a freestanding altar, but not a high altar. Similarly, if Anglicans allow priestesses, there is no logical reason I know of why bishopesses would not be allowable (Though I know zip about Anglican theology. Maybe there is a reason why women are valid matter for Anglican priesthood but not episcopacy).
All this is to say: If for unchangeable religious reasons, female clergy are not a possibility, everyone should respect that tenet of faith, likely having nothing at all to do about the equality of the sexes. However, If female clergy are allowed in a religion, then they are as much clergy as the men and shouldn't be discriminated against.
Post new comment