Are you a female priest?

Question

I am really leaning towards becoming a female (episcopalian)priest, and I wanted to see other peoples stories.

I feel called to become one and I would like to hear other peoples stories of how they were called to become a priest. I know that there is a lot of controversy surrounding this topic, but I would like to know why you became a priest if you are one, especially if you are female and Anglican/Episcopalian.

In the New Testament it does say that women are not allowed to speak in church. But evidence has been found that suggests that the letter that says that was tampered with before being put in the bible. Besides I have been praying about it and I still feel strongly about becomig a priest wouldn't God have given me strong signs leading in a different direction? He hasn't yet, in fact he has given me very strong support in my decision.

Answer 1

I am not a priest but I did go through seminary and have a minister's training. I decided that I was more interested in academics so I have not sought ordination (yet, anyway!)

But I am close friends with many ordained women and men.

I would not let anyone discourage you from seeking out your calling. While there are a couple places in the New Testament that do seem to say no to female ministers, there are numerous other places, including in Paul's writings, where female leadership and preaching were mentioned in passing, as though there were no question about the matter.

Women have much to offer as pastors and priests. I have found in the opportunities I have had to preach, serve and counsel that I my status as woman does restrict what I am able to do and I have not met with any resistance from others. But I have to say that I live in Canada, which has a different religious climate than the States.

When you go through discernment, seminary, and levels of candidacy and processes, you are examined and looked at according to the gifts, energies and faithfulness that you bring to your calling -- it is not really about gender nowadays. But again, I think I may live in a more liberal area than you do.

I hope you know some women priests and pastors that you can talk with about your calling. If not, ask around and find some of them to talk to -- you will find encouragement and inspiration!! And now is just as good a time as any to start reading the writings of women theologians, so I am going to paste a bibliography below to get you going!!

Blessings on the journey!

Answer 2

Of course within the Catholic Church there are no women priests, but within the Anglican Church, Episcopalian church there are women allowed into the Priesthood.

I am personally sadened over the ECUSA's stand on bibical morality but there are many of good people within thier ranks, and I am a Bishop within the American Anglican Council

Answer 3

i do not understand the bible forbids women to preach the gospel so how can you become a priest how are you going to say god does not want women to preach the gospel but you are a woman how can you teach that or are you going to leave it out and risk the wrath from the beginning of revelations where it say is any body takes away from this book or adds to it do you really want to risk your eternal soul
just as the bible prohibits homosexuality how can the churches have homosexual priest

Answer 4

women can be priest king priest to the Bible said we can and we can go to the holy of holy to

Answer 5

Nope. But if you want to be one, you should know that it's called a priestess. Just letting ya know.