Episcopi vagantes-- or "wandering bishops"-- is a term I came across while surfing the history of the Old Catholic Church...

What is "Old Catholic?" 

The Old Catholic Church traces it roots to the 7th century. It was during this time when the church was one and undivided that the Anglo-Saxon monk Willibrord missionized the area of Europe now known as the Netherlands and France.

The name "Old Catholic" began to come into use in 1741 when the Church in Utrecht turned from Roma and began to refer to call themselves as Roman Catholics of the “Old Episcopal Clergy” (Old Catholics).

It wasn't until late 19^th century in Europe when over the refusal to accept Papal Infallibility that the Churches in Europe formally adopted the name "Old Catholic". (See history page for more information.)

It is this earlier “undivided” Christianity that was taught to the people in this part of the world and it is that “undivided” Church that Old Catholics seek to restore.

I was inspired to this search by a news story last night, which led me to this story... For those who would adhere more closely to Rome, such deviations are considered invalid. Yet, the "official" church's stand is more nuanced, allowing the validity of the sacraments, but now allowing any jurisdiction or governing.

Yet, after I had also read this story about a woman losing her job-- as a Sunday School teacher-- because of a strict interpretation of a letter from Paul to Timothy, I wondered whether the large-C Catholics might, in this case, stand with the small-c catholics.

Why must we respect or make exceptions for religions-- or any other beliefs, for that matter-- that choose to exclude women from full participation? Merely because it's the rules? Or the custom?

Nope. Sorry. In fact, the purposeful exclusion of women is, if anything, the very reason to question the validity of any religion, philosophy or belief. Mere "custom" will not wash...

[Full disclosure: I've been reading Jill Carroll's story at the Christian Science Monitor, too.]

photo source: wikipedia