Even as a young child, I was drawn to all things mystical or religious. Before I could read, I declared to mom that I wanted to be a priest someday. "But you can't dear," she whispered as we sat in church. "Why not?" I persisted, unfazed by the murmuring prayers of those around me. "Because you are a girl," she said with quiet emphasis. Because I am a girl?
It made no sense to me back then. I had no say in the matter; I did not choose my gender. So, I argued with God. "Why did you make me a girl?" I demanded to know. "This is unfair!" I insisted. I'd watch the altar boys and the priests with robes flowing, and I doubted my value.
Years later I completed a theology degree and then a pastoral counseling degree with classrooms of seminarians and a few sisters. But, I still stood at the sidelines of church-related drama. By then, though, I understood--the politics, the fear, and the tradition.
When we separate ourselves from others--because of gender (or race, or sexual identity), we create a hierarchy of value that fosters mistrust and sometimes acrimony. But today, something extraordinary occurred, which levels the manmade ranking. The Church of England decided that not only can women become priests, they can now become bishops.
I think of my granddaughter, who dreams without restriction. Maybe she will wear the robes some day....at least she has the choice. How amazing!
It made no sense to me back then. I had no say in the matter; I did not choose my gender. So, I argued with God. "Why did you make me a girl?" I demanded to know. "This is unfair!" I insisted. I'd watch the altar boys and the priests with robes flowing, and I doubted my value.
Years later I completed a theology degree and then a pastoral counseling degree with classrooms of seminarians and a few sisters. But, I still stood at the sidelines of church-related drama. By then, though, I understood--the politics, the fear, and the tradition.
When we separate ourselves from others--because of gender (or race, or sexual identity), we create a hierarchy of value that fosters mistrust and sometimes acrimony. But today, something extraordinary occurred, which levels the manmade ranking. The Church of England decided that not only can women become priests, they can now become bishops.
I think of my granddaughter, who dreams without restriction. Maybe she will wear the robes some day....at least she has the choice. How amazing!
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