1Timothy, Chapter 2, 11-15
Verse:
11. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
12. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
13. For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
14. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
15. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
It appears that the early church was quite liberal and democratic, but then the good ‘ole boys (the priests) took over and sent the girls back to the kitchen. What this had to do with christianity isn’t clear. It has taken poor male recruiting statistics to force churches to use the talents of women. I’m sure they do a good job. Pity about the intervening 2000 years or so.