Ordination of women

There are a variety of positions on the ordination of women among different religions, sects and denominations within each religion.

Related Topics:
Ordination - Women - Religion - Sect - Denomination

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Within Christianity, the various denominations have different understandings of the nature of ordination - and thus see different issues as being significant in the debate. Roman Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans, and others are discussing the nature of priesthood, while other denominations reject the notion of a specifically ordained priesthood altogether. Further, although all Christians look to the Bible for guidance, denominations take differing views of the importance of the historical traditions of the Church in such matters.

Related Topics:
Christianity - Roman Catholic - Orthodox - Anglican - Priesthood - Bible

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Christians generally do not use the term "ordination" to refer to the process of becoming a nun, although (like a priest) she must train at a seminary, be approved by the church heirarchy, dedicate her life's work to the church and adopt a role of spiritual authority. There is a tradition of nuns within Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and even among some Lutherans, Anglicans, and Calvinists.

Related Topics:
Nun - Seminary

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Within Buddhism, the legitimacy of ordaining women as bhikkhuni (nuns) has become a significant topic of discussion in recent years. It is widely accepted that Buddha created an order of bhikkuni, but the tradition has died out in some buddhist regions such as India and Sri Lanka, while remaining strong in East Asia, particularly Taiwan.

Related Topics:
Buddhism - Bhikkhuni - Buddha - India - Sri Lanka - Taiwan

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Orthodox Judaism does not permit women to become Rabbis, but women Rabbis have begun to appear in recent years among more liberal Jewish movements.

Related Topics:
Judaism - Rabbi

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