How and why has the ordination of women been such a controversial issue?

Introduction

You will have to take a stand in your introduction and ensure you answer both parts of the question:

- How - show that there are a wide variety of responses to this within the Christian church

- Why - is it sexism? Feminism? Religious vs secular values?

Body.

* Define ordination and explain what in means in different denominations.  You would be best to focus on two or three different denominations throughout your essay to highlight the problem. Roman Catholicism is good to contrast with Anglicanism and a more liberal version of Protestantism.

* How - outline the history of women's role in the church.  You can start with the early church in the Bible and look at the role women played in Jesus' and the early church's ministry.  Move into how it changed and formalised into a male role. You can explain why this happened.

* Modern roles of women.  What is the role of women today? Look at the Catholic Church and Anglican Churches at least here. You will also need to look at different countries as there are a wide variety of responses.

* Lead into the fact that the reason why countries have such different attitudes to women is because it is so controversial.  Some reasons could include:

 - Biblical teaching (you will need lots of verses here)

 - Church teachings - look at different denominations and quote lots of teachings or press statements.

 - Rise in Feminism - groups like MOW (Movement for the Ordination of Women)

 - Sexism - is the Church still dominated by men.  Make sure you give two sides to the argument here.

Conclusion

Remember you need to take a stand but give more than one point of view.  You will need lots of proof to support your claim.  In the end you should ensure your conclusion gives a clear reason why the ordination of woman is so controversial