Should women not be allowed to speak in the Church? What did St. Paul really teach?

This question seems to have gone viral at the time of penning this response and shared across WhatsApp forums, based on Pauline teaching found in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. But what did St. Paul actually teach? Was it really a prohibition on women to remain silent and not allowed to speak at Church gatherings? Let us return to the Scripture:

Here, St. Paul instructs, “Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.”

Now, to understand this passage, it is pertinent to consider the cultural context of the time in relation to the Greek concept used. The Greek word translated as “silent” is “σιγάω” (sigao), which can mean to be silent or to hold peace. The cultural context of the Church in Corinth was one of disorderly worship practices, with people speaking out of turn and causing confusion during the gatherings. To resolve this problem, Paul had to address this issue by advocating orderly worship, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, asking the women to hold their peace (sigao) by remaining silent. Why?

In the cultural context of the Greco-Roman world, women were often not educated to the same level as men and were typically expected to occupy private, rather than public, spheres. Public speaking, particularly in religious settings, was dominated by men. So, Paul’s instruction can be seen as an effort to maintain decorum by asking the women who were less educated to hold their peace as a result of the confusion and maintain order during worship. This was not an absolute prohibition against women speaking. How?

In Romans 16, the same Paul does commend women for their active roles in the church. Particularly, Paul mentions several women, including Phoebe of the church in Cenchreae, and Priscilla, who, along with her husband Aquila, is noted for her role in teaching Apollos more accurately about the faith (cf. Acts 18:26). Also, in Philippians 4:2-3, Paul acknowledges Euodia and Syntyche, who have contended at his side in the cause of the gospel.

The Catholic Church interprets these passages through the lens of tradition and magisterial teaching. The Church recognizes the significant contributions of women throughout its history and in contemporary times. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) acknowledges the equal dignity and complementary roles of men and women (cf. CCC 369). Pope John Paul II, in his Apostolic Letter “Mulieris Dignitatem” (On the Dignity and Vocation of Women), elaborates on the important role of women in the Church and society… The Second Vatican Council’s “Gaudium et Spes” also stresses the dignity and equality of women, encouraging their active participation in the ecclesial and social life.

Thus, the Catholic Church does not teach that women be silent at worship but views Paul’s instructions within their historical context and recognizes the evolving understanding of the roles of women in the Church.