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      Roles of men and women in Christian worship

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain what gender prejudice and discrimination are and how denominations differ on gender roles in worship.

      Key learning points

      1. Prejudice refers to the negative thoughts a person may have about another person based on a characteristic they have.
      2. Prejudice can lead to actions which are known as discrimination.
      3. Prejudice and discrimination can occur based on someone's gender and sex.
      4. Most Christians are opposed to gender prejudice and discrimination.
      5. Some Churches allow equal access to ordination and leadership for men and women whilst others do not.

      Keywords

      • Discrimination - actions that come from prejudice attitudes

      • Ordination - when someone is chosen and blessed to become a church leader, like a priest or minister.

      • Prejudice - negative thoughts, feelings or beliefs about a person (prejudging them) based on a characteristic they have, e.g. their gender

      • St Paul - important Christian from the first century C.E who wrote much of the New Testament

      Common misconception

      That Jesus said 'I do not permit a woman to have authority over a man'

      This is attributed to St Paul in the letter to Timothy.

      Teacher tip

      Students can look in more depth at the different roles that Christian women have held within different denominations.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Christians may have different of the same Bible passages.

      Correct Answer: interpretations, Interpretations

      Q2.
      In a home with equal roles, who might do the cooking and cleaning?

      only men
      only women
      Correct answer: both men and women

      Q3.
      How do some Christians interpret Paul’s teaching about the “head” of the household?

      Correct answer: as a model for love and responsibility, not control
      as outdated nonsense
      as a reason to ban marriage

      Q4.
      Which of the following best describes traditional roles in the home?

      men stay at home and cook
      women work outside and men clean
      Correct answer: women do domestic work and men provide the income

      Q5.
      Most Christians believe men and women are in the eyes of God.

      Correct Answer: equal, Equal

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      What is prejudice?

      a fair opinion based on evidence
      a legal decision
      Correct answer: an unfair judgement made without proper knowledge

      Q2.
      Some denominations allow equal access to leadership and .

      Correct Answer: ordination, Ordination

      Q3.
      Which Christian group does NOT allow women to be priests?

      Methodist Church
      United Reformed Church
      Correct answer: Roman Catholic Church

      Q4.
      St Paul said that men are the of the household.

      Correct Answer: head, Head

      Q5.
      Which denomination allows equal ordination for men and women?

      Southern Baptist Convention
      Correct answer: Church of England
      Orthodox Church

      To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Roles of men and women in Christian worship, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...