House of Bishops on the Ordination of Women
Diocesan Press Service. November 3, 1972 [72166]
The House of Bishops on the issue of the Ordination of Women to the priesthood and to the Episcopacy manifested in its small group discussions a divided mind, just as did its special committee in its report on the subject to the House.
By some it was stated there were no real Biblical or theological objections. By others it was stated more Biblical exegesis was needed and also further theological input.
Some have a feeling that we are committed to such ordination because of the diaconate already having been opened to women. Others have a feeling we do not have a clear definition of diaconate or priesthood. Women feel called by God to priesthood, but the Church needs to call its ministers.
Women have special gifts and qualities to bring to the priesthood, yet there are potential strains for women in the priesthood as in the family situation.
There needs to be more grass roots involvement and education first, but the bishops must also exercise leadership on such issues.
Whatever bishops do must be done openly and with knowledge. Yet a secret ballot is desired on this issue.
Unilateral action by PECUSA is not deemed good, yet such action might be helpful to other churches.
God calls in new ways such as women to the priesthood, yet such a serious breach with tradition is ill advised and present arguments are not sufficient to make the change.
Cultural circumstances do matter in such issues, yet cultural pressures should not carry the day.
The Church must face the issue without delay, yet it needs to do more study to prepare the Church for change.
Such a move is viewed as good in terms of evangelism in some places, yet as unhelpful in others.
There is a fear of schism if the change is approved and a serious attrition of women in the Church if it is not.
Some Roman Catholic authorities are quoted as saying it would be an obstacle to ecumenical relations, yet other Roman Catholic authorities are quoted as saying it would not be and might even provide good leadership to Rome.
It is not good for the bishops to decide on this issue ahead of the 1973 General Convention, yet the House of Bishops is looked to for leadership on the matter.
Some bishops will vote for it in principle, yet will not be able to offer employment for women as priests in their dioceses.
Sexuality must be taken out of consideration in the matter of priesthood, yet the psycho-sexual aspects of the matter must be faced.
Jesus Christ was a man, yet humanity, not maleness is the crux of the matter.
A further index of the divided mind of the House is that of the 10 groups:
3 voted for such ordination
2 voted against such
1 split
2 took no vote
2 want no vote at this time on the issue
The Committee on Ministry at the meeting following the giving of the small group reports decided that the House needed further discussion on the whole matter and so voted to recommend favorable action on the resolution moved by Bishop Bayne as follows:
WHEREAS, the Special Meeting of the House of Bishops, on October 23, 1970, at Houston, referred for consideration by the House at this meeting the following statement: " It is the mind of this House that it endorses the principle of the Ordination of Women to the Priesthood and to the Ordination and Consecration of Women to the Episcopate "; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this present House adopt this statement as the mind of the House; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Committee on Constitution and the Committee on Canons be instructed to prepare the necessary constitutional and canonical changes to put this Resolution into effect for presentation at the General Convention of 1973.
Adopted November 1, 1972.