Category Archives: Gender

Women priests: are liberals being inconsistent?

Posted on 18th March 2017 by Jonathan Clatworthy

No, sex and women priests are not the same thing. In the continuing debate over the Bishop of Sheffield, liberals are often accused of saying one thing about women priests and the opposite about same-sex partnerships. I am grateful to … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Ethics, Gender, Theology | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Are liberals illiberal about women priests?

Posted on 14th March 2017 by Jonathan Clatworthy

Exclusive inclusives! Intolerant tolerance! When Philip North announced his withdrawal from the post of Bishop of Sheffield, it was open season for his supporters to accuse liberals of being illiberal. This post is a defence of liberalism, inclusiveness and tolerance.

Posted in Churches, Gender, Theology | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

Sheffield’s women and Christian sacraments

Posted on 9th March 2017 by Jonathan Clatworthy

This is the third of three blog posts responding to the appointment of Philip North, an opponent of women priests, as Bishop of Sheffield. In the first I described Martyn Percy’s argument that the appointment should not proceed as long … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Gender, Theology | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

Sheffield’s women and church fudge

Posted on 7th March 2017 by Jonathan Clatworthy

This is the second of three blog posts responding to the appointment of Philip North, an opponent of women priests, as Bishop of Sheffield. In the first I described Martyn Percy’s argument that the appointment should not proceed as long … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Gender | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Sheffield’s women: who should tolerate what?

Posted on 5th March 2017 by Jonathan Clatworthy

Outcry all round. Philip North, the suffragan Bishop of Burnley who opposes the ordination of women, is to become the next Bishop of Sheffield. This is the first of three posts on the subject. It is a diocesan post, so … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Gender, Theology | Tagged , , , | 16 Comments

God’s genitalia

Posted on 3rd June 2015 by Jonathan Clatworthy

A controversial article in the Daily Telegraph tells us that churches are increasingly referring to God as ‘she’ rather than ‘he’. Does it matter? If so, why? The article responds to the latest of the Westminster Faith Debates, last Wednesday’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Gender, God, Theology | Tagged , | Comments Off on God’s genitalia

‘Burnley bishops’ will be different

Posted on 24th January 2015 by Jonathan Clatworthy

Widespread horror has greeted the news of the bizarre arrangements for consecrating the new bishop of Burnley. On Wednesday I put up a post describing the arrangements agreed between the candidate, Philip North, who opposes the ordination of women, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Gender, Theology | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

A woman’s touch and spiritual danger

Posted on 21st January 2015 by Jonathan Clatworthy

It gets more and more bizarre. Now that women can be bishops in the Church of England, opponents of women priests – who have existed for 20 years – are finding new hurdles to throw in their way. The Revd … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Gender, Theology | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Change and danger

Posted on 8th July 2013 by Jonathan Clatworthy

Once again the Church of England’s General Synod agonises over women bishops. Clearly we aren’t just debating facts and figures. Strong gut feelings abound on both sides. For some the lack of gender equality is not only an injustice which … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Gender, Theology | Tagged | Comments Off on Change and danger

Does public opinion matter after all?

Posted on 15th June 2013 by Jonathan Clatworthy

This is a response to the Church of England’s House of Bishops reportmaking new proposals for women bishops. I am pleased with its main proposal but I have two points to make. One can wait till later. The other responds … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Gender, Theology | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Does public opinion matter after all?