Opposition to female clergy declines but measures of objectors stiffen

Episcopal Conference working group says those refusing to cooperate with female clerics may face dismissal

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Researcher Paula Närhi's report Kun alttari erottaa (When the altar divides) indicates that serious problems related to women in the clergy still exist in about a dozen congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
      It is estimated that between 2 to 10 percent of all of Finland's about 550 Lutheran congregations suffer from minor disputes.
     
According to the report, roughly every sixth male member of the clergy disapproves of female priesthood. Four percent of them refuse partly and three percent totally to work with female clerics.
      In previous studies, the percentage of the objectors has been higher. On the other hand, the views of the most rigorous opponents have stiffened.
      These problems are seen as an issue that reflects on the congregation as a whole. Such disputes have undermined the Lutheran Church's credibility, increased the number of people leaving the church, and kept people away from religious functions.
      The female clerics claim that the opposition is manifested in bullying and disturbance. Women have been called names that are used in The Bible to describe evil.
     
An Episcopal Conference working group suggests that the Lutheran Church no longer merely debate the issue, but that next week's Episcopal Conference would draw up clear rules of engagement for congregations on how to deal with possible disputes.
      The working group emphasises that the Synod decision from 1986 to ordain female ministers, together with the Church's own legislation and the national labour legislation, give clear enough instructions on how to "rule with justice and impartiality in the future".
      The working group also points out that a resolution added to the 1986 motion, according to which opponents of the idea of female pastors were also granted the freedom to work within the Church, does not give opponents the right to refuse cooperation with the female clergy.
     
"The resolution does not have judicial weight. It challenges people to cooperation, but does not give the right to refuse assignments", the working group advises the protestors.
      The working group also feels that the call for cooperation covers all clerical tasks, including church services. Those refusing to work with female clerics could face disciplinary actions.
      A minister cannot be fired, but through disciplinary measures he could be dismissed for a period or permanently.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Some 13 percent of male pastors still against female clergy (4.2.2005)

Helsingin Sanomat