In 1928, Canon Charles E. Raven of Liverpool wrote Women in Holy Orders, declaring "The admission of women to Holy Orders on an equality with men is inherent in the teachings of Jesus and necessitated by a true understanding of the nature of the Church...it is a matter of theological principle, even more than of justice and expediency."
It took almost half a century for it to happen, but on St. Andrew's Day, November 30, 1976, women were ordained as priests in the Anglican Church of Canada. This year, there are fortieth anniversary celebrations across the country, with women priests in nearly as many parishes as men, and more than a few women bishops.
The Canadian church has not yet had a woman Primate, but one--Victoria Matthews, then Bishop of Edmonton--has been nominated, and in the United States, Katherine Jefferts Schori served for years with strength and boldness and dignity as Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.
As Herbert O'Driscoll predicted, what was considered a daring and radical move--largely orchestrated by Archbishop David Somerville, as chair of the Committee on Ministry--has "settled into a quiet and stable methodology."
Reverend Ladies--congratulations.
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