Answer: It depends on the type of Christian you ask.

Theological Traditions Included: Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Non-Calvinist Protestant, Calvinist Protestant, Progressive

The Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches do not allow women to be ordained as priests, based on their understanding of biblical examples and the consistent tradition of the Church. They view the priesthood as a special calling tied to the male identity of Christ and the apostles.
Calvinist and non-Calvinist Protestant denominations have a range of views on women's ordination, with some not ordaining women based on a literal interpretation of certain biblical passages, and others ordaining women based on a contextual understanding of these passages and an emphasis on the gifts and callings of both men and women.
Progressive Christians fully support women's ordination, believing that the biblical passages restricting women's roles should be understood in their historical and cultural contexts, and that the Church should reflect the equality and inclusivity of Christ.
All five traditions affirm the equal dignity of men and women and recognize the important contributions that women make in the life of the Church, even if they differ on the question of women's ordination to pastoral roles.

It has always fascinated me when and how the “cultural context” argument gets used. I’m not sure I figured out all of the interpretive rules, aside from theological convenience. And everyone seems to do it somewhere.

Justin Bailey – Creator of ChristianAnswers.ai

Quick Comparison

Tradition	Women Allowed as Pastors	Biblical Interpretation	Theological Understanding
Calvinist Protestant	Varies by denomination	Literal vs. contextual	Different roles vs. equality
Catholic	No	Consistent tradition	Male priesthood
Non-Calvinist Protestant	Varies by denomination	Literal vs. contextual	Different roles vs. equality
Eastern Orthodox	No	Consistent tradition	Male priesthood
Progressive	Yes	Contextual	Equality and inclusivity

Hear from Each Perspective

Ordered by number of adherents

John / Catholic

The Catholic Church does not allow women to be ordained as priests. The Church teaches that the priesthood is reserved for men, based on the example of Jesus, who chose only male apostles, and the consistent tradition of the Church throughout history. The priesthood is seen as a special calling and vocation, tied to the male identity of Christ and the apostles. This teaching is considered a matter of doctrine, not merely a cultural or disciplinary practice. However, the Catholic Church affirms the equal dignity of men and women and recognizes the important roles that women play in the life of the Church, such as in religious life, spiritual direction, and theological scholarship. The Church also emphasizes the importance of the feminine genius and the unique contributions that women make to the mission of the Church, even though they are not ordained to the priesthood.

Anthony / Eastern Orthodox

In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, the priesthood is reserved for men, as it is believed that this reflects the order established by Christ and the apostles. The priest is seen as an icon of Christ, who was incarnate as a male. This does not imply that women are inferior or less capable, but rather that they have different roles within the Church. Women serve in various important capacities, such as in monastic life, spiritual counseling, and theological scholarship, but are not ordained to the priesthood or episcopacy. The Orthodox Church values the unique gifts and contributions of both men and women, but maintains a traditional understanding of the priesthood as a male vocation, in accordance with Scripture and Holy Tradition.

Caleb / Non-Calvinist Protestant

Among non-Calvinist Protestants, there is a diversity of views on women's ordination. Some denominations, such as many Baptists and Pentecostals, do not ordain women as pastors, based on their understanding of biblical passages such as 1 Timothy 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. These denominations believe that God has established different roles for men and women in the church, with men called to leadership positions. Other non-Calvinist Protestant denominations, such as Methodists and some Lutherans, do ordain women as pastors, believing that the biblical passages restricting women's roles should be understood in their specific historical and cultural contexts, and not as universal prohibitions. These denominations affirm the gifts and callings of both men and women for pastoral ministry, emphasizing the importance of individual discernment and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Nathan / Calvinist Protestant

In Calvinist Protestant denominations, there is a range of views on women's ordination. Historically, most Calvinist churches did not ordain women as pastors, based on their understanding of biblical passages such as 1 Timothy 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, which seem to restrict women's teaching and leadership roles in the church. These passages are often interpreted as reflecting a divine order for male leadership in the family and the church. However, some contemporary Calvinist denominations, such as the Christian Reformed Church and the Presbyterian Church (USA), now ordain women as pastors, believing that the biblical passages should be understood in their specific cultural contexts and not as universal prohibitions. These denominations emphasize the importance of recognizing the gifts and callings of both men and women for ministry, and the need for the Church to reflect the equality and diversity of the body of Christ.

Hannah / Progressive

Women should be allowed to serve as pastors and in all levels of church leadership. The biblical passages that have been used to restrict women's roles in ministry should be understood in their historical and cultural context, and not as universal prohibitions. The overarching message of the Bible is one of equality and mutual submission in Christ, as stated in Galatians 3:28. The gifts of the Holy Spirit, including those for pastoral leadership, are given to both men and women. To deny women the opportunity to use these gifts fully is to limit the work of the Spirit and the mission of the Church. Progressive Christians believe that the Church should be a place of equality and inclusivity, reflecting the love and liberation of Christ.

The Key Differences

1. Biblical Interpretation

Calvinist and non-Calvinist Protestant denominations that do not ordain women as pastors often base their position on a literal interpretation of biblical passages such as 1 Timothy 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, which seem to restrict women's teaching and leadership roles in the church.
The Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches also appeal to biblical examples, such as Jesus choosing only male apostles, as well as the consistent tradition of the Church throughout history.
Progressive Christians and some Calvinist and non-Calvinist Protestant denominations that ordain women interpret these biblical passages in their specific historical and cultural contexts, not as universal prohibitions. They emphasize the overall message of equality and mutual submission in Christ, as expressed in Galatians 3:28.

2. Theological Understanding

The Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches view the priesthood as a special calling and vocation tied to the male identity of Christ and the apostles. The priest is seen as an icon of Christ, who was incarnate as a male.
Calvinist and non-Calvinist Protestant denominations that do not ordain women often believe that God has established different roles for men and women in the church, with men called to leadership positions.
Progressive Christians and some Calvinist and non-Calvinist Protestant denominations that ordain women emphasize the gifts and callings of both men and women for pastoral ministry, and the need for the Church to reflect the equality and diversity of the body of Christ.

3. Roles and Contributions of Women

All five traditions affirm the equal dignity of men and women and recognize the important roles that women play in the life of the Church.
The Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches emphasize the unique contributions that women make through religious life, spiritual direction, and theological scholarship, even though they are not ordained to the priesthood.
Calvinist and non-Calvinist Protestant denominations that do not ordain women still recognize the valuable roles that women play in the church, such as in teaching, ministry, and service.
Progressive Christians and some Calvinist and non-Calvinist Protestant denominations that ordain women believe that women should have equal opportunities to serve in all levels of church leadership, including pastoral roles.

Are women allowed to be pastors?