Women Clergy Research Paper

BACKGROUND

Although the numbers of women clergy have been increasing, much disagreement on this issue still exists. Most Protestant denominations have removed the barriers to ordination of women. Yet the Catholic, Islam, and Orthodox Jewish religions do not permit women to hold religious office. Those who support women clergy feel that they bring a new perspective and a personal style of ministry to the churches in which they serve.

BROWSE FOR BOOKS ON THE SHELF USING THESE CALL NUMBERS

253.2

261.83

262.12

283.73

LOOK UNDER THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS IN THE CATALOG (CARD OR COMPUTER)

Women clergy

Women priests

Ordination of women

Women in Christianity

REFERENCE MATERIALS THAT MAY HELP (BOOKS OR CD-ROMS)

CQ Researcher, September 8, 1995.

Editorials on File, Facts on File.

Facts on File

Reid, Daniel G., ed. Dictionary of Christianity in America, 1990.

PERIODICAL INDEXES TO SEARCH (BOOKS OR CD-ROMS)

EBSCO Magazine Article Summaries

InfoTrac

NewsBank and other newspaper indexes

Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature

SIRS (Social Issues Resources Series)

WILSONDISC

ONLINE DATABASES TO SEARCH

America Online

CompuServe
Dialog

Internet

Prodigy

KEY WORDS AND DESCRIPTORS FOR PERIODICAL INDEX AND ONLINE SEARCHES

Women clergy

Ordination of women

Women priests

Women rabbis

NATIONAL ORGANIZATION TO CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Commission on the Status and Role of Women, 1200 Davis St., Evanston, IL 60201.

SUGGESTIONS FOR NARROWING THIS TOPIC

Evaluate possible differences in approach to the ministry between men and women.

Investigate the impact of women clergy on the church service, on relations with congregation.

Research the historic role of women in the church.

What is the “stained glass ceiling” and its meaning to women clergy?

SUGGESTIONS FOR RELATED TOPICS

Glass ceiling

Feminism and the church

Nuns

Women theologians

This RESEARCH TOPIC GUIDE is intended to help the library user find information and materials on a particular topic in many sources throughout the library. Resources on this topic are not limited to those described and availability will depend upon the individual library. Feel free to ask a librarian for assistance.