Well, today the Episcopalians installed a woman as the leader of their entire church. This wouldn't be a problem at all if the Episcopal church didn't consider itself "Christian" as this quote shows from their web site:
The Episcopal Church strives to live by the message of Christ, in which there are no outcasts and all are welcome. Walking a middle way between Roman Catholicism and Protestant traditions, we are a sacramental and worship-oriented church that promotes thoughtful debate about what God is calling us to do and be, as followers of Christ.
You see, the Bible is quite clear on this point, as the following passages demonstrate:
Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.(1Ti 2:11-12)
For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.(1Co 14:33-35)
Okay, so this isn't pretty and nice and culturally acceptable, but it is clear. It is so clear, in fact, that to get rid of it you must undermine the basic authority of scripture (either by calling these passages culturally determined or by belittling all of the works of the apostle Paul or by canceling the passages out with less-clear ones, such as 1 Corinthians 11). Now this isn't a problem for a religion that doesn't want to call itself Christian. If the Wiccans want to have dogs and cats be the leaders of their church, that isn't my concern. However, it is a concern of mine when a church widely believed to be "Christian" (and proclaiming itself as such) decides that blunt passages of scripture can be ignored for cultural expediency. If you believe in Jesus you need to believe in the truth of the only book that tells us anything about him or your understanding is weak and useless and can be easily overturned or swayed to and fro by the slightest wind of false teaching. Just find out what the Bible says and do it, that's all, and leave the simple passages simple.
