“Equality in Christ: Women Apostles and Bishops in Church History” by Bishop Martin Wilson

 👉 The reflection highlights the importance of recognizing the role of women in church leadership. It acknowledges the negative impact of harmful ideologies such as male chauvinism, which perpetuate discrimination and oppression. As followers of Christ, we are called to actively reject such beliefs and work towards creating a more equal and just society, including within the Church. Let us strive to uphold the principles of equality and justice, and recognize the value and importance of all individuals, male or female, in positions of leadership and authority within the Church.

Our Lord and Master, Jesus, exemplified leadership not through dominion, but through service. In the Gospel of Matthew (20:25-28), we find His profound teachings on servant leadership. True leadership, He declared, lies not in wielding authority over others, but in humbly serving them. This principle resonates throughout the pages of our faith and guides us even today.

Yet, let us journey further into the annals of history, to a time when women stood as pillars of strength within the nascent Christian community. In the Epistle to the Romans (16:1-2), the apostle Paul extends his greetings to Phoebe, referring to her as a “diakonos” of the church in Cenchreae. This term, “diakonos,” transcends mere servitude and suggests a role of recognized leadership. Phoebe, it seems, occupied a position of authority akin to that of a bishop or apostle.

Turning our gaze to the Book of Acts (18:26), we meet Priscilla, a name that shines brightly. She and her husband, Aquila, played an active role in the propagation of the Gospel. Notice that in the Scripture, Priscilla’s name takes precedence, underscoring her significance. She was not merely a passive observer but engaged in teaching and mentoring Apollos. This implies an authority and knowledge befitting the roles of bishops and apostles.

Galatians 3:28, a jewel among the epistles, proclaims, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” In these divine words, we discern a clarion call to equality and unity among all believers. The distinctions of social standing and gender lose their significance in the light of Christ. Could this not signify the inclusion of women in leadership roles, including that of bishops and apostles?

Moreover, Acts 2:17-18 speaks of the Holy Spirit’s outpouring upon both men and women, foretelling that “your sons and daughters will prophesy.” This proclamation hints at the spiritual capacity of women to receive and convey divine messages. It aligns with the duties of bishops and apostles, who are entrusted with the sacred task of disseminating the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Thus, as we contemplate these scriptural passages, we find ourselves faced with compelling evidence. The Bible, our guiding light, shines brightly upon the involvement of women in leadership within the early Church. It reinforces their equality with men in Christ. Indeed, the belief in women occupying positions of authority within the Church resonates harmoniously with the timeless teachings and principles of Holy Scripture.

In conclusion, my dear brethren, let us reflect upon the enduring words of the Bible and the examples set by our forebearers in faith. Let us embrace the concept of women serving as bishops and apostles, recognizing that it aligns with the heart of Christ’s message - a message of equality, service, and unity. May the grace of our Lord guide our hearts and minds as we seek to faithfully live out His divine will.

From the Episcopal Desk of,
+Martin Wilson
The College of  Sacred Servants, President & Co-Founder
Ecclesia Ecumenical Leadership, Presiding Prelate