WOMEN DEACONS

Evening Post, Issue 13, 16 January 1936, Page 18

WOMEN DEACONS

ARCHBISHOP'S REPORT

PRIESTHOOD NOT FAVOURED

We may soon have women deacons in the Church of England (states a London writer).

These women deacons would be entitled to wear a special dress or emblem, and to, be called "Reverend."

The Archbishop's Commission, who since February, 1932, has been deliberating'the question of women in the ministry, has published its report. The' chief point in it is:—

"We think that lay women should be eligible for' all such offices and duties-in the Church as are open to laymen;. including that of lay reader; that authority should be given to some women to preach, to take; occasional services, and to conduct retreats . . .

but after full consideration-we do not feel able, in view of the past history and existing conditions of the Christian Church, to- recommend the admission of women to the priesthood. . . ."

Dr. ;W.:R.' Matthews, Dean of St.

Paul's,'is the one member of the Commission who does not agree with this decision. He favours the ordination of women to "the priesthood.

Some of the, reasons why the Commission consider women are not fitted for the priesthood are these:—

"A married: woman could not satisfactorily perform the duties of a priest together : with: the care of a- home, especially should she be the mother of children. .

"At oresent: a married priest is able to fulfil the requirements of the. ordination service 'to forsake and set aside all worldly cares and studies' largely because his wife can undertake the care of-the. household and the family."

To the question whether a woman priest should take a vow of celibacy, the Commission replies: "We think that to > impose it would .-.■ involve mjustice, since it is not required of men."