A church in Israel ordained the Holy Land’s first-ever woman pastor.
Holy Land’s First-ever Woman Pastor
Many Christian churches from around the world have seen many women become church leaders. Having women lead is no longer an unusual thing. However, in Israel it is still uncommon, in fact, they have not yet seen a woman ordained. But a Palestinian woman from Jerusalem has created history for being the first-ever woman pastor in the Holy Land.
On January 22, Reverend Sally Azar was ordained as the first woman pastor at the Lutheran church in the heart of the Old City. Hundreds of Christians witnessed the event.
“I got more excited seeing the excitement of other people,” she said in an interview. “It’s an indescribable feeling to take this step with the support of the church.”
Reverend Azar wanted this historic event to spark hope in many young girls and women.
“I hope that many girls and women will know this is possible and that other women in other churches will join us. I know it will take a long time, but I think it could be exciting if this changes in Palestine,” she added.
(2023). Rev. Sally Azar [Photograph], Retrieved January 25, 2023, from: https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsScoutsGroup
Reverend Sally Azar
Most Christians in the Palestinian Territories, Israel, and Jordan belong to the Greek Orthodox and Latin Catholic. These churches do not allow women priests. However, the ordination of women in Protestant Churches around the world has been common in the past few decades.
“Everywhere where you have a patriarchal society and culture this is a major step,” says the recently retired woman Archbishop of the Church of Sweden, Antje Jackelen. “Since I’ve been ordained for over 40 years, I’ve met many people who didn’t think it was possible. But now they’ve seen women actually serving as pastors, as bishops, as archbishops, we know it works and we know that it’s actually in accord with the Bible.”
Reverend Sally Azar was ordained by her father Bishop Sani Azar. Though her father inspired her to become a church leader, she believes she was called by God for this.
“It’s what I wanted, what I was called to do,” she says.
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Reference: BBC News
