The Ordination of Women, an Evolving Story

Abstract Set within a framework and recurring pattern of theological and liturgical concerns, historical antecedents to contemporary women’s ordination in the Anglican Communion reveal its rootedness in a deeper narrative concerning the interpretation of scripture, formation of tradition, and rationale justifying Christian understandings of gender and human equality. Following a historical sketch of the interplay of women’s ordination and liturgical and revisionist movements to the Book of Common Prayer in different parts of the Anglican Communion, issues raised include the extent of embeddedness of sociocultural and political concerns within theological expression and argument, and tensions between traditionally authorized worship language and the contextual needs of worshipping communities. Challenges for further investigation include the self-understanding of the Anglican Communion when communion is impaired, challenges faced by expanding understandings of gender, and the extent to which Christianity can be a universally inclusive religion for all adherents.