Harassment of Female Priests Found
A survey of six of 44 dioceses in the state Church of England found that most women priests have suffered some form of harassment, according to the Observer newspaper.
William Beaver, the church’s communications chief, said the church is studying the survey, which has yet to be released to the public.
Because of the small sampling, he said, “we do not think that such conclusions that most women priests are bullied can be drawn.” He added, “Every woman cleric knows where to take any allegations for redress.”
The Manufacturing Science and Finance Union, which represents some clergy, conducted the survey. Studying nearly 400 women priests, it is the first detailed examination of the working conditions of female clergy in Britain.
According to the Observer, the women reported bullying by male priests, ranging from verbal abuse and intimidation to ostracism and routine discourtesy.
Harassment also comes from parishioners and clergy wives, “apparently jealous of the new authority of priested women,” the Observer stated.
The Church of England voted in 1992 to ordain women. It ordained the first women in 1994 and now has about 2,000 women clergy.
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