5 more conservative denominations that allow women to be pastors

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, July 09, 2023

Anglican Church in North America

The Anglican Church in North America, which was founded in 2009 in response to increased theological liberalism within The Episcopal Church, allows dioceses to determine whether women can serve as priests. The office of bishop remains exclusive to men aged 35 and older, however.

“At the inception of the Anglican Church in North America, the lead Bishops unanimously agreed to work together for the good of the Kingdom,” explained an FAQ entry on ACNA’s website.

“As part of this consensus, it was understood that there were differing understandings regarding the ordination of women to Holy Orders, but there existed a mutual love and respect for one another and a desire to move forward for the good of the Church.”

ACNA goes on to explain that its central leadership “shall make no canon abridging the authority of any member dioceses, clusters or networks (whether regional or affinity-based) and those dioceses banded together as jurisdictions with respect to its practice regarding the ordination of women to the diaconate or presbyterate.”