You raise an interesting question for Cecil. I do not know the answer regarding the religions you mentioned but as the Christian Church of England has women priests/clergy, the Catholic Church has at least one working example to emulate. I also have a feeling that the Mormons have female clergy but will check this out from a colleague who works in the specific area of the USA where the Mormons are in abundance.
Unlike most of those who have provided various reasons why there are no women priests in the Catholic Church, I believe that this is entirely linked to the age old male tradition of keeping women in their (subordinate) place and I find this entirely unacceptable in this day and age.
We of course also know that the earliest disciples like Peter had wives, Popes had mistresses and concubines and lots of children. Thus the Church has had varying 'rules' over time and is really far more flexible than we might imagine. I reckon that because of the shortage of priests, Catholic married priests will become acceptable (if not already so in some parts of the world) and that women as priests will become a reality sooner rather than later. I do think the Catholic Church is definitely fighting a losing battle on this count.
As a man, I have absolutely no problems seeing and accepting women as equal partners in all spheres of life. On this count what we need is men's liberation from age old fears, beliefs, traditions and customs. These constrain men and women in society unnecessarily.
Cornel
PS I just remembered that the Jews do have women "rabis" in answer to part of your question. I know at least one in the UK.
----- Original Message ----- From: "Jorge/Livia de Abreu Noronha" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Goanet" <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2005 6:03 PM
Subject: Re: [Goanet]God as Woman
Cecil: Just a couple of short questions: Are there female priests ("bhotts",
"purohits") in the Hindu religion? And female "imams" or "mullahs" in Islam
and female "rabis" in Judaism? If not, why bash only the Roman Catholic
Church for not accepting the ordination of women? - Jorge
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