Woman Bishop: God Should Not be Referred to as Male or Female

Veronica Neffinger | iBelieve Contributor | Updated: Oct 26, 2015

Woman Bishop: God Should Not be Referred to as Male or Female

The first woman bishop to sit in England’s House of Lords has said that God should not be referred to as either male or female.

Christian Today reports that Bishop of Gloucester Rachel Treweek, who will be inaugurated today (Oct. 26) into the House of Lords, said, “God is not to be seen as male. God is God.”

Treweek further stated that God should also not be seen as only female. "In the creation narratives, we're told that God created human beings in God's likeness, and then it goes on to talk about male and female. If I am made in the image of God, then God is not to be seen as male. God is God,” Treweek stated.

When Treweek received the writ of summons to the House of Lords, she took issue with it because it addressed her as “Right Reverend Father in God.” Treweek insisted the summons be amended to read “Right Reverend Bishop in God.”

In explaining her views on the issue of gender pronouns, Treweek stated that language is a powerful shaping force, so words must be used carefully. “I am not in the business of wanting to offend anyone, but I do want to gently challenge people,” she said. She also said that she has to remind herself not to refer to God only as male.

Christian Today also notes that Treweek was one of 84 bishops who signed a letter to Prime Minister David Cameron, calling for a more determined response to the refugee crisis.

Publication date: October 26, 2015



Woman Bishop: God Should Not be Referred to as Male or Female