Question: Greg,

I have been attending an Episcopal church for the last couple of weeks. In general is this a healthy, well-balanced denomination? They seem to have a lot of women in high ranking positions. I hope I am not being chauvinistic.

Donald

Answer: Dear Donald,

We are reticent to give evaluations of denominations for many reasons – not the least of which would be no biblical mandate to do so. One could argue that it is important to point out when a group is falsely labeling its teaching as Christian – but that is not the case with such an established denomination.

There are many varieties of Episcopalians – and many congregations. Based upon some close friends and associates who are Episcopalian, I would be loathe to characterize all Episcopalians in any one specific way – and certainly resist any suggestion that there is some deep biblical flaw in Episcopalians.

It is true that some Episcopalians are wrestling with the issue of the ordination of women – but they are not alone in doing so. There are a number of denominations who ordain women, or who allow women to preach, pastor, be associate pastors if not senior pastors or who encourage women to be evangelists. Such denominations are not generally regarded, because of this issue alone, to be "liberal" or "off the deep end."

On the other hand – women who serve in such capacities would tell you that there is a difficulty that many men have, and that male resistance is not always simply chauvinism or prejudice, but goes deep into cultural roots, sex role expectations, etc. One of the reasons for the existence of so many denominations and even differing congregations within denominations, is to establish a place of worship that is biblically balanced, Christ centered and uncompromising to the historic Christian church – while at the same time being a comfortable place where cultures and worldviews can be accommodated – without forcing everyone into a global McDonald-like church.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht