Continuing Obstacles Pertaining To Women's Ordination
A Paper Examining
CONTINUING OBSTACLES PERTAINING
TO
WOMEN’S ORDINATION
IN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
With Advice to Those En Route
Presented to
The Rev. Dr. Donald S. Armentrout
CHHT 625 THE HISTORY AND THEOLOGY
OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Sewanee D Min. Program
Summer, 2006
By
The Rev. Belinda Ann Wright Snyder
CONTINUING OBSTACLES PERTAINING TO
WOMEN’S ORDINATION IN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
With Advice to Those En Route
By Bindy Snyder
I
A Discussion of the Prevailing Arguments Against
Historical Background
The Dioceses Which Still Do Not Ordain Women
Words from Fort Worth
Interview with Bishop Keith Ackerman of Quincy
The Positive Witness of St. Blandina – Imageo Dei
II
Stories of Six Women Who Persevered
The Rev. Margaret Rose
The Rev. Elizabeth Morris Downie
The Rev. Nancy Tucker O’Shea
The Rev. LaRae J. Rutenbar
The Rev. Ann Van Dervoort
The Rev. Jane Williams
III
The Resolution of Some Problems
Bishop/Rector/Diocese
Committees/Commissions on Ministry
CPE
Family Issues
Self-Esteem
Ordination and Post Ordination
IV
Advice for Women on the Ordination Journey
Friends and Relationships
Spirituality and Health
Finance
Prophesy
V
Conclusion
Gender Perceptions Continue to Affect Episcopal Clergywomen
Change Takes Time
Regional Influence
Position and Form of Address
Positive Impressions Prevail
Since 1977, when the General Convention of the Episcopal Church voted to ordain women
to all clerical orders, response has been varied, but generally accepting. According to the
2005 Episcopal Clerical Directory, there are 18,256 clergy in good standing, 4,432 of whom are women.
In appreciation for the 30th anniversary of women’s ordination, and for the opportunity to
do such a study, this paper will examine some of the prevailing objections to women’s ordination, tell some of the stories of women who have traveled that road; and it will
identify some stumbling blocks encountered along their ways....
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