Holy Orders

Holy Orders in the modern Roman Catholic Church and in the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Anglican, Assyrian, Old Catholic, and Independent Catholic Churches, includes three degrees: bishop, priest, and deacon. While Anglicans are divided on the question, the other Churches mentioned regard ordination as a sacrament. Other Protestant denominations have varied conceptions of the church offices, but none of them considers ordination a sacrament, and some would not consider their ministries in terms of holy orders at all.

Ordination of women

:Main article: Ordination of women

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Many, but not all, denominations in Christendom allow the ordination of women. Notable denominations who ordain women in the USA include Episcopalians, Presbyterians (PCUSA), Lutherans (ELCA), the United Church of Christ, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the United Methodist Church although there are others. Many of the same denominations ordain women throughout the world. For example, the majority of the Anglican Communion, in theory allows for the ordination of women.

Related Topics:
Episcopalians - Presbyterians (PCUSA) - Lutherans (ELCA) - United Church of Christ - Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) - United Methodist Church - Anglican Communion

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In the listed denominations, ordination to priest/minister, bishop, elder, or deacon is allowed.

Related Topics:
Priest - Minister - Bishop - Elder - Deacon

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In other denominations, women can be ordained to be an elder or deacon. Some denominations allow for the ordination of women for certain religious orders.

Related Topics:
Elder - Deacon

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Many denominations have divided or united around the issue of ordination of women. Also, several of the denominations that openly ordain women have broadened their ordinations to include homosexuals.

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