Women's ordination in the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea and the Reformed Church in America : a comparative study

Abstract

<p>This thesis is a comparative study of women's ordination and ordained women's ministry in the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK) and the Reformed Church in America (RCA). It focuses on internal and external factors in the histories of ordaining women in the PROK and the RCA.</p> <p>This thesis argues that although the PROK and the RCA have ordained women, there is often a disconnect between rules and practices. In both denominations the formal legislation that has cleared the way for women's legal eligibility for ordination to the ministry has not corresponded with structural, cultural, or practical changes. As a result, women have experience limits to full participation in leadership in spite of their huge contribution to the life of both denominations. This thesis concludes that the true meaning of ordination in these Christian churches cannot be realized until ministry of ordained women is fully actualized.</p>