Word: priesthoods
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...most intriguing proposals came from Thomas Sebeok, a professor of semiotics at Indiana University. Sebeok called for the creation of an "atomic priesthood" to pass along, over the millenniums, rituals and legends that would explain the dangers of waste dumps. Such forms of communication, said Sebeok, could contain "the veiled threat that to ignore the mandate would be tantamount to inviting some sort of supernatural retribution." The task force cautioned that "there is controversy among historians over the efficacy of oral transmission as a method for accurately conveying information over long time periods" but suggested further study of the technique...
Many Protestant denominations now admit women to the ministry. But the English decision to move in the same direction will have broad influence within the Anglican Communion, which has something of a patchwork priesthood. Some bishops refuse to recognize women ordained by others, and some branches, including England for the moment, do not allow the women to perform priestly duties when they enter as visitors...
Ecumenical complications also loom large, a fact that worries Archbishop Runcie. Since 1970, Anglicans and Roman Catholics have been discussing reunification, while for decades Anglicans and Orthodox churches have also discussed closer ties. But in 1975, the Vatican, forewarning the Anglicans in effect, declared that the all-male priesthood was "an unbroken tradition" that is "based on Christ's example" and "considered to conform to God's plan for his church." If those words allow any leeway, the Eastern Orthodox Church allows none, holding that priesthood for women is impossible. The result: while one long-sought liberal reform...
...makes up for his lustful thoughts by committing holy books to memory and praying for the conversion of atheists. His confessions become so monotonously pure minded that his adviser feels certain that "the plant of lust in me had been well and truly desiccated." He is ready for the priesthood...
...Vatican, however, has decided to press the issue. At Rome's instruction, Nicaraguan Bishop Pablo Antonio Vega last week reported that he has asked three of the priests to decide be tween their jobs and the priesthood in accordance with canon...