Third, it has been the constant and unwavering tradition of the Church, both East and West, from the very beginning down to our own day, to admit only men to ordination. Since the Holy Ghost guides the Church, this strong tradition must be recognized as reflecting God’s will for the Church.
Response: This tradition is the reflection of the male dominant culture which has prevailed in Christian environments from ancient times up to the present. But that culture is now in process of changing; so also should the attitude and practice of the Church with regard to women. The “Spirit” is free to breathe where it wills.
Fourth, the priest represents Christ in relation to the Church. He is a living sacrament of Christ and acts in the very person of Christ in celebrating the Eucharist. In the language of the East, he is an Icon of Christ. But Christ is related to the Church as groom to bride. Therefore the priest must be a man, for only a man can represent Christ in this way.
Response: Every Christian must put on Christ (Gal 3.27; Rom 3.14), live the life of Christ (Gal 2.20), and represent Christ to the faith assembly.
In Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
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