WOMEN MINISTERS.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20176, 3 March 1931, Page 11

WOMEN MINISTERS.

* TO THE EDITOB Otf THE PBESS. Sir, —In neither of tlie two letters which appeared 'in this morning's Pbess < ■ ,have the .writers quoted the authority for the innovation, viz., to occupy pulpits, --preach, and -perform marriages. The.Old Testament ' I have always been taught was- a history of the Jews and the laws laid down by 'the .leaders of ■ the Jewish' faith under divine inspiration and'instruction, and none of •these leaders or teachers were women. - What is few,' if any, of our women folk would like to abide by these same laws and restrictions. Jesus Christ during His. ministry on earth was assisted in his public work by men. He called men only *to ,work with Him, and I have failed to find any record of ■ -women having.done so. In reference -to "Clarity's" letter, X : n*ay say I have not denied,the right of ■ women to engage in Church .work, of which there are many-branches, and Id, * "which women have done and are> still' , doing splendid work. All honour to ■ - The question of prophecy,- like. 1 * -A " x *r,+

healing, seems to be,a power lost by tho Church at the present; time. Why? , "Clarity" refers me to I. Corinthians, chapter Inverses 3 and 4, but here again the quotation is proof against women preachers, for the ( Apostle- only mentions the .masculine. Also later in tho same chapter'(verse 35) quoted by her we find, the words: "For. it is a shame for women to speak* in tho Church." She also speaks of-missionaries and Christ's command to "Go into the world and preach the Gospel." If she will read Mark, Chapter Iff, verses 14 and 15, she will find that this command: was givqn after His- resurrection, when He appeared to. the eleven Disciples as they sat at meat. "Pauline's"' final text quoted' as "0< woman'' . should be "O Jerusalem" (Isaiah, Chapter > 40, verso 9). It would bo interesting if the reverend : gentleman:wlio moved - the motion in" Synod any of- those who supported could* glv,6 .chapter and verse authoris--1 ing the innovation. If they are right, ,'and, I expect they lelieve they are," it should; not be a hard matter for them to satisfy your readers. The two oldest Churches, in our Empire, the Roman Catholic and the Church,.of England, have never introduced it. The ancient Jewish Church\lias not done so. Why tlie Methodißts? —Yours, etc., ' ONE WHO GOES TO CHURCH SOMETIMES. • March 2nd, 1931.