Church as a Woman's Place

Is gender equality recognized in your church or Christian organization? While some churches openly advocate for gender equality, it’s often more revealing to look beyond verbal affirmations. Therefore, alongside the official statements from the church or denomination regarding the status of women and men, it’s beneficial to examine the tangible evidence. This evidence could be found in various forms such as photographs or staff listings on their website.

Churches and other Christian Organizations

1. Are women and men pictured in equal numbers on the web and in publications?

2. Are boys and girls pictured in equal numbers on the web and in publications?

3. Are organizational leaders all men, all women, or a balanced mix?

4. Are there specific policies demonstrating equality?

5. Does the church or organization prohibit women or men from holding specific positions?

Churches

1. Are clergy all men, all women, or a mix?

2. Is there evidence for a man-woman balance in special speakers for general church meetings?

3. Are equal resources devoted to church activities for women, girls, men, boys?

4. Are special events celebrated equally for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day?

Christian Schools, Colleges, and Universities

1. Are the highest positions held by only men, only women, or a balanced mix?

2. Are the teachers all men, all women, or a mix?

3. Are equal resources devoted to school sports and other activities for women and men?

4. Is one group of educators prohibited from teaching or serving students based on the gender of the educator or the students? For example, can women teach men in a seminary? Are men prohibited from counseling women?

5. Do administrators attend men’s and women’s sporting events with equal frequency?

6. Do chapel services feature men and women speakers with equal frequency?

Evaluating the Impact? Does it matter?

Are there conflicts associated with real or perceived inequalities?

Are people leaving the church or organization because of real or perceived inequalities?

Considering Inequalities

Unequal treatment of women and men is prevalent and doesn’t necessarily incite conflict. Many Christian organizations hire only men for roles such as priests, pastors, or board and committee members, based on their interpretation of relevant biblical texts. Some argue that the distinct contributions of men and women to the church or affiliated organizations should be viewed as complementary, not discriminatory.

This article aims to provoke thought among Christians about their faith. Decisions made by adults in faith-based organizations can influence younger generations by providing role models and setting standards for gender roles within Christianity.

In some instances, observed imbalances may not stem from discrimination but from the availability of individuals to fill various positions. Therefore, it’s crucial to explore the reasons behind any perceived imbalance to prevent misunderstandings.

No organization is flawless, and there may be valid reasons to remain in a group that espouses values inconsistent with a member’s beliefs. However, sometimes it’s more beneficial to find a group that aligns with one’s core values.

In Western cultures, secular societies generally advocate for gender equality in employment, pay, government services, and other community life aspects. In some countries, women have even served as heads of state. Changes in many nations’ laws have influenced the Christian church, but in other churches and their organizations, men and women have distinct roles that reflect ancient traditions.

A Personal Note

For the most part, I’ve found debating with Christians about biblical interpretation to be unproductive. As a psychologist who studies cultures, including religion, I lack a degree in biblical studies, making it easy for a religious scholar to dismiss my claims.

In case you’re wondering about my stance, I believe that roles in religious organizations should be assigned based on an individual’s proven abilities, not their gender. This perspective could be termed ‘evidence-based theology.’ I might even argue that it’s wasteful to limit roles in any organization based on selective interpretation of sacred texts applied to individuals identified as male.