Breaking the Stained Glass Ceiling: Women Priests in Malabar Diocese
In a historic event, the Church of South India's Malabar Diocese has ordained women as deaconesses for the first time, signaling a significant shift in gender roles within the church. Saju Mary Abraham and Nimshi David are pioneering this change, moving towards full priesthood amidst symbolic support and expectations.
- Country:
- India
For the first time, two women have been ordained on the path to priesthood in the Malabar Diocese of the Church of South India. This historic occasion unfolded at Mananchira Cathedral, with the landmark ceremony sparking both a new era and hope for gender equality in the ecclesiastical hierarchy.
The Diocese, covering the Malabar region of Kerala from Palakkad to Kasaragod, encompasses 132 churches with over one lakh followers, marking this event as a pivotal moment for a diverse community. The service saw Bishop Dr. Royce Manoj Victor conduct the ordination of Saju Mary Abraham, 52, and Nimshi David, 25, as deaconesses.
The ordination of these two women is a crucial first step towards full priesthood anticipated to unfold over the next year. The event was not only a critical undertaking for the women involved but was seen by many as an evolution for the entire church, symbolizing progress and religious inclusivity within the historically male-dominated institution.
(With inputs from agencies.)
Google News