The roles of women and men are carefully defined in Cambodia. Of course, foreigners can do what they want to do, since foreigners are odd by definition.

The Christian community mixes tradition with the new reality that there is neither male nor female in Christ Jesus. In some cases, challenging the roles can given an unintended message. For a woman to ride a moto like a man and touch the driver may be seen as a sexual message. Each situation needs to be assessed separately. We cannot teach that American Christians have gender issues all resolved and are waiting impatiently for Cambodians to catch up.

Methodists have been training and appointing women as clergy. Women in leadership will assist everyone in appropriate behavior that blends ancient custom and gospel hope.

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Community United Methodist Church
81-10 35th Avenue
Jackson Heights, New York City 11372
www.jacksonhghtsumchurch.org
 718.446.0690

Copyright 2000
Last update 9/14/2000