November 27, 2013

Thought for 11.27.13

Reading all of the debate on the attempted settlement to the English “women bishops” row, I noted someone claiming that “Our Lady” would be pleased with the continued provision of a place that those opposed to women in the episcopate could deem “safe.”

But, what if, on the other had, “Our Lady” might approve of the ordination of women — not as “headship” or power, but as an office of service and dedication. I’ve long thought that the model most helpful to the church — and the bishop — is that of “bishop as midwife.” 

If “the lowly and weak” are to be “lifted up” — as Mary sang — she evidently intended there to be no stained-glass ceiling. But the lifting up is being raised and called to serve, not pontificate.

Tobias Stanislas Haller BSG

5 comments:

Deacon Charlie Perrin said...

Safe from what? Women in positions of authority no doubt. How pathetic is that?

I'm done with people using theology to justify prejudices.

"Our Lady" more likely wants to give them a good kick in the pants.

Tobias Stanislas Haller BSG said...

Deacon Charlie, to echo some famous words, You might very well think that... I couldn't possibly comment. :-)

Except to say the "safety" is from "sacramental doubt" -- since they don't think a woman can be a bishop, they want "sacramental assurance." My opinion is that those whom the church ordains are ordained, and that's the end of it. I may not agree with all bishops, like them, approve of them, or any number of things, but the sacraments are the work of the church, not the individual; that is "assurance" enough for me.

Br Richard Edward Helmer BSG said...

"Sacramental assurance. . ." Another in the almost endless number of attempts at ecclesiastical certitude.

Deacon Charlie Perrin said...

Tobias

Doesn't "sacramental assurance" smack of Donatism and violate one of the 39 Articles?

Tobias Stanislas Haller BSG said...

Just so, Richard Edward.

Deacon Charlie, yes on both counts. But some people just don't care. The irony is that Rome would "assure" these folks that none of their sacraments are valid anyway... but they won't accept the "assurance" of their own church that they are.