The case for a male only priesthood - based on sacramental and sexual imagery (#2)

Yesterday, I briefly considered an argument from tradition used by the Roman Catholic Church to justify the exclusion of women from ordination to the priesthood. Today, I turn to a second and more theologically complex line of reasoning: the appeal to sexual or symbolism.

In Inter Insigniores – a document of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued in 1976, the Church draws on New Testament references to the Church as a Bride (e.g 2 Corinthians11:2; Ephesians5:22-23).  Inter Insigniores extends this imagery to the ministerial priesthood, arguing that when the priest presides at the Eucharist, he represents Christ in his role as Bridegroom giving himself for his Bride, the Church.

The case for a male only priesthood - based on apostolic tradition (#1)

In today’s blog I present an initial case, grounded in apostolic tradition, for the exclusion of women from priestly ordination in the Roman Catholic Church and, by extension, in other Churches that understand themselves as catholic and apostolic. I will divide up the arguments for into three groups – apostolic tradition, sacramental imagery and magisterial authority.  In later blogs I will consider the case for changing current norms or, at least, to reconsider the position of the Church. Finally, I weigh in with my own thoughts and tentative conclusions.

Women's ordination?

The world has changed dramatically since I was born in the middle of the last century. Rapid shifts in the roles of men and women – together with major improvements in living standards, education, and workforce participation, especially for women – have reshaped society in profound ways. Assumptions that once supported fixed or subordinate roles for women in patriarchal cultures have gradually given way to greater equality, at least in the more economically prosperous parts of the world.

A pleasant surprise

 

A visit, today, to the Basilica of Saint Michael’s Cathedral in downtown Toronto happily coincided with the celebration of Mass at 12.10pm  I was pleasantly surprised to see not only a reasonably good turnout of people but also to see the presence of a large number of people I would consider to be young. My estimate is that very approximately 50% of attenders were under the age of 40. I could not help notice a queue (a line!) of 12 or so young people waiting for confession.

Why the Mass is a sacrifice

Language matters. We often assume we understand what others mean, yet theology can be especially challenging because many of its words and expressions feel far removed from the everyday language of ordinary people. The Mass, too, can seem at first glance like something distant from our day‑to‑day experience. Most children in Ireland, at least, are not familiar with the sounds, rhythms, and symbols of the Eucharist. Religious instruction in schools is uneven, and apart from the major rites of passage – First Holy Communion and Confirmation – many children have little regular or deep contact with the sacraments. At least, that is how it appears to me.

Sunday matters - an update

 

A recent family visit to Toronto offered a welcome opportunity to experience the celebration of Mass in a truly cosmopolitan and culturally diverse setting. Canada, like every nation, faces serious challenges, and the behaviour of its closest neighbour does not always make life easier. Yet Canada remains a striking example of how an extraordinary diversity of cultures can live, work, and worship together in relative harmony.

Who presides?

 

Who presides at the Eucharist? Jesus Christ does.

This is the central truth we must never lose sight of. The ordained minister acts in persona Christi—in the person of Christ, on His behalf, and also in Him and through Him. This can be difficult to accept when some ministers have gravely violated their vows and caused deep harm. But their crimes must never be confused with the sacramental action they perform. Christ is the true presider, and His work is not undone by human sin.