The idea of women involved in the direct participation of clergy duties was practically unheard of prior to the middle of the 20th century. In some die-hard religious sects it still is. Other, more enlightened, minds feel the idea of women in the clergy is a concept whose time has come. With their generally higher capacity for emotional empathy women are a clear and logical choice when it comes to meeting the deeper, more spiritual needs of others.
The very nature of a successful clergy person is the ability to nurture, teach, guide and inspire those around them to find the deep level of spiritual being that exists within us all. What role in life more closely parallels those gifts than that of mother, the role women have held since the beginning of human development? Most children learn the basic elements of their faith at their mother's knee. Why not continue that growth process throughout their lives with the gentle guidance of a female clergy person? The concept of a heavenly father is more clearly defined as a heavenly parent. As such, both genders may have something to offer.
While ancient church doctrines may still hold women captive and in their place, while allowing men to pursue their heart and soul's ambition, the contemporary world is starting to see both men and women for the intelligent, spiritual and capable human beings they are. Thanks to great strides made in the 20th century by women in nearly every field of human endeavor, all but the most stringent, die-hard religious sects have started to open the doors of their faith to the contributions of both women and men who can prove themselves worthy and committed.
The calling for a religious life comes to men and women in the same way. For the truly faithful there is no option to decline. It's time for the world to recognize the power of faith for what it is and let the spirit grow where it is planted.
