Deaconesses, Preacherettes, and Women-Only Mosques
For more than a decade, some congregations of the Lord's church have been trying to establish deaconesses, and some have succeeded, although Richland Hills in Fort Worth calls them “special servants.” Now one congregation (the Fourth Avenue Church of Christ in Franklin, Tennessee) has put a woman in the pulpit with the approval of “senior minster,” Patrick Mead (who has been askew for at least two decades). Mead's argument is that Paul was writing for his culture and that it is no longer necessary in our society. Judging from the amount of couples living together outside of marriage (70%), “Flee fornication,” was probably one of those cultural statements, also (1 Cor. 6:18).
The fact is that our civilization has been influenced by Feminism; most religious denominations have given up what the Scriptures teach on the different roles of men and women. Female preachers and pastors have been accepted in just about every religious group—even conservative ones. Now, according to the February 6, 2015 Wall Street Journal, a Women-Only Mosque in Los Angeles has sparked national debate about the role of women (A5). Aslam Abdullah, an imam and director of the Islamic Society in Nevada, thinks the “old establishment won't accept change easily,” but he thinks it will happen. It might happen here, but what about a response from Iran?
The Bible nowhere condemns women leading in prayer or speaking in the presence of other women; in fact, many brethren think this situation is what Paul is describing in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. But one of the objections raised in the article is that if these “women-only” mosques become popular, it would likely divide communities along gender lines. Yes, and for Christians it would do the same. Women-only events are generally special occasions for members of the church (Ladies' Days). Worship on the Lord's day would not be conducted in such a manner unless men were absent.
In the Muslim religion, however, some mosques do not allow women. Many conservative Muslims say that the female-only idea is a sin. Others don't care, and a few are encouraging of the idea, saying that otherwise women are marginalized. It will be interesting to see how this idea is treated in various other Muslim countries. As for Christianity, women have always participated in worship—just not in a leadership capacity. Whereas many of the Muslim women complained about not being taught, the design of the Christian assembly is for all to be edified. Perhaps Muslim women ought to attend a Christian assembly.
Common Features in Mosques
1. A mihrab or a niche in the wall that indicates the direction of Mecca. (This is the city they must pray towards.)
2. A minbar or pulpit from which an Islam scholar is able to deliver a sermon.
3. Minarets. Five times daily Muslims are called to prayer by use of these tall towers.
4. A square or rectangular prayer area. According to Aisha Stacey, women are allowed to pray in a mosque (they have a separate entrance), but it is more praiseworthy for them to pray in their homes.