Scripture is unambiguous about women’s role

YOUR correspondent John Browell (Yorkshire Post, January 21) considers there can be no argument against women becoming priests and bishops by referring to Phoebe in Romans 16:1-3.

Little is known of her except that “she was a servant of the church”. However, put that against St Paul’s clear and unambiguous teaching in 1 Timothy 2: 11-12: “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.”

There is also clear teaching as follows: “This is a faithful saying. If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife...” (1 Tim 3: 1-2). Also, “Let deacons be the husbands of one wife...” (1 Tim 3: 12). And let us remember that all these words were inspired by God because “all scripture is inspired by God” (2 Tim 3:16) and that “the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8), i.e. not subject to change.

From: David T Craggs, Tunstall, East Yorkshire.

ALTHOUGH I agree with much of Chris Scorah’s letter (Yorkshire Post, January 8), I must take him to task on a couple of points. In my letter I definitely did not suggest that a “God’s Blessing” should be an alternative to marriage, rather that it could run alongside the institution, thus maintaining and strengthening the union of a man and a woman, and the raising of their children.

And surely God is all-inclusive, or is Mr Scorah suggesting that God should turn his back on members of the gay community? I sincerely hope not.