Sir, – I agree with Thomas Morris Gormally and Colm Holmes (Letters, Monday and Tuesday) that the ordination of women is an issue that can no longer be deferred within the Catholic Church.
From the perspective of the Church of Ireland, the inclusion of women in ordained ministry has strengthened rather than diminished the life of the church. Women priests, in various levels of leadership (including a bishop), exercise leadership, pastoral care and ministry with commitment and distinction.
Their contribution is no longer debated in practice, but recognised as essential.
Nor is there any convincing biblical impediment to their ordination: St Paul’s declaration that “there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28) speaks directly to the equal calling of all the baptised. Interpretations that are used to exclude women appear to rely more on inherited custom than on the central message of the Gospel.
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The real question, then, is whether the Roman Catholic hierarchy is prepared to re-examine long-held assumptions in the light of Scripture. There is a risk that adherence to tradition is being placed above fidelity to biblical truth. On an issue of vocation, equality and justice, that is a position that deserves to be challenged. – Yours, etc,
GEOFF SCARGILL,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.
