The Roman Catholic Church shuns women as leaders, claiming (in a misdirecting defense) that "the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven are not the ministers but the saints." (Inter Insigniores, 1976; reconfirmed in Ordinatio Sacerdotalis, 1994: 'On Reserving Priestly Ordination to Men Alone'). But why is female ordination banned? Are women truly incapable of ministering to a congregation or providing pastoral services? Is this proper tradition, ancient lore, or chauvinistic foolishness?
Should non-believers interfere? If reform is rejected here, what of other cases where religion or culture seem to conflict with healthy human lives? For example, what of circumcision? Is it reasonable? (when a child cannot reasonably make a choice). What of female circumcision - otherwise termed genetic mutilation... should cultural tradition trump law and reason? Such arguments could condone human sacrifice!
Studies + Streetsmart Suggestions