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marriage and the fullness of conjugial love. Too great a task? Indeed, no small
task! But the Lord is with us all the way and perhaps sustains us with what, to
me, is one of the most beautiful promises in all of the Lord’s revelation:
“...the delight of truly conjugial love not only endures to old age in the
world, but after death becomes the delight of heaven and is there filled with
an interior delight that grows more and more perfect to eternity.” (Heaven
and Hell 379)
Heulwen M. Ridgway
Canberra, Australia
Comments and Questions Through a Kitchen Window
To The Editors:
Re: Gender and the Priesthood by the Rev. N. Bruce Rogers, presented at
the Council of the Clergy Meeting in Bryn Athyn, June, 2013, and published
in the September-October issue of New Church Life, page 460.
We live in a time when we freely give attention and time to read a page or
two. When it stretches to nine pages we begin to see tangents and wonder if the
target has been lost through intellect.
The topic is an important one in our church today. Did the Council of the
Clergy risk allowing the opposite view to be spoken? And discussion to follow?
Where did the idea come from that women called to the priesthood are
doing it because they have that “right” and/or are “no different from men”? I
have met three women in our church who have this calling and are following
it. Not one of them made this choice as a “right.” Not one made this choice
to prove herself equal to or better than men. They are amazing people with
amazing intellects. They teach and lead to the “goodness of life,” which is what
a priest does.
Does a woman see through different glasses? You bet. Where did we forget
that male and female make one angel – each of equal value – contributing to
God’s intention?
It is my humble opinion that ministry and priesthood cannot be separated.
The good shepherd must have both qualities – whether seen through a
masculine or feminine lens.
This year there are no young men entering Theological School. Why? And
women are told, “You can take the classes but don’t expect a job in the New
Church.” Could it be that Theological School is not using its core in such a way
that young people find it vital to life as they live it in the culture they breathe.
Where exactly in the Word or the Writings does it say that the priesthood
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