The Problem of Women’s Ordination in the Modern Anglican-Orthodox Dialogue
The Problem of Women’s Ordination in the Modern Anglican-Orthodox Dialogue

Summary/Abstract: Bilateral dialogues are one of the essential outcomes of the Ecumenical Movement. The Anglican-Orthodox dialogue is a good example of such inter-confessional conversation. It was initiated at the end of the 19th century and came to maturity in the 20th century. Unfortunately, nowadays the modern Anglican-Orthodox dialogue faces some problems. The most problematic issue for the Orthodox Church is the decision of the Anglican Communion to ordination women as priests and bishops. This issue alone raises questions about the future perspectives of Anglican-Orthodox dialogue. The aim of this study is to explain the problems raised by women’s ordination for the modern Anglican – Orthodox dialogue. Historical and analytical methods are used for achieving this goal. The research shows that there are no strong theological arguments for or against women’s ordination. The differences in understanding some passages of the Scripture, the flexibility of Tradition and the role of gender equality are the main reasons of the controversy. Despite that, both sides decided to continue the dialogue and give a common witness of the Christian faith in the modern world. Conversations about women’s ordination raise up the question about ‘legitimate diversity’ of practices in Churches which seek full communion. I think the Churches will discuss this question in the future meetings of the international Anglican-Orthodox dialogue.

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