Have you seen or heard in the news the impassioned struggle in the Catholic church over whether or not women can be appointed to their priesthood? Supporters of it see the present practice of exclusive male appointments as chauvinistic. Others see it as Biblical and the complainants as feminist sympathizers. The feverish debate is totally UNnecessary. Here is why:

   The church of our Lord doesn't HAVE a priesthood, it IS a priesthood. The apostle Peter wrote, addressing Christians everywhere, "...ye are a holy...royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5,9). The idea and practice of a 'priestly class' separately functioning within and for the kingdom of Christ is completely foreign to the New Testament (NT). For Jesus "who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood,... He  has made US to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father"(Revelation 1:6).

So every Christian (priest) himself can "draw near with confidence to receive mercy and grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). Such a privilege has been secured by Jesus, the High priest of every priest (Christian), who "lives to make intercession" and "appear in the presence of God for us" (Hebrews 7:25;9:24). And so, there is NO provision in the NT for a specially selected man (or woman) to stand before God for another. There just simply isn't that need.

Unfortunately, the Catholic church is debating the WRONG question. The issue is NOT priesthood gender, BUT their misconception (and hence redesign) of the priesthood!

   Are you a member of a church where only a selected few are perceived to be and called 'priests?' If so, why not ask one of them to explain from the NT why they are a priest and you're not.