(1) Why are fashionable hats not considered contrary to the letter and spirit of 1 Corinthians 11?

 (2) Is the emphasis put on “covering” by hats, berets or scarves, compatible with the freedom so strongly endorsed in Christ? (“You observe days, and months, and seasons and years!” “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 4:10, 5:1; Colossians 2:16-23)

(3) A sister commented: “If I am asked to wear a headcovering or a veil, then I am being put back behind the veil which Paul says is removed in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 3:12-18; see also Hebrews 10:19-22, Mark 15:38.) Is she correct?

 (4) Is there any reason to suppose that 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 is referring to a Breaking of Bread meeting, i.e. a meal in New Testament times? Or is it referring to a different, more public, type of meeting as described in 1 Corinthians 14 – if this distinction can be made?

 (5) Is there any reason to suppose that 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 is referring to all sisters in attendance as distinct from those publicly praying or prophesying?

 (6) Since 1 Corinthians 11 approves of women speaking in prayer and prophecy in ecclesial meetings, why do we not allow them (at least) to read the Word of God and to pray out loud? (Some explanation needs to be given of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 compatible with 1 Corinthians 11.)

 (7) Is there biblical support for dressing up to come to meetings (hats, suits, ties, jackets), or is the practice an intrusion of worldly standards?

 (8) Does the attitude that all sisters are subject to all brothers find support in the New Testament?

 (9) Why is the section on length of hair completely ignored? Most sisters wear short hair, but this is a disgrace according to 1 Corinthians 11:6? If the answer is that length of hair was a cultural custom, why not say the same about headcovering?

 (10) “Let everyone be fully convinced in his own mind. ... each of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:5, 12)

Is it consistent with life in Christ under the New Covenant for sisters who, along with their husbands, regard hats as unbiblical to be compelled to wear a headcovering by long-standing practice or ecclesial resolutions?

(11) If we favour headcovering for sisters, why do we not follow literally other New Testament practices like anointing with oil (James 5:14), or foot washing (John 13:14-15), both of which are given as instructions?

Considerable help has been given to us by brothers and sisters who have offered advice and comment on our various drafts of this booklet. We have done our best to incorporate their suggestions and would like to thank them for their contributions.

We will be pleased to receive any further comments, corrections or criticisms of our material, will study them with interest, and will attempt to take account of them in any future versions.

First edition 1994  Revised and updated 2007-2009

Ian & Averil McHaffie

176 Granton Road,

Edinburgh EH5 1AH

mchaffie@tesco.net

16th February 2009

Available by email and on the internet

Principles and Practice

An Examination of New Testament practices like Fasting, Feet Washing, Breaking of Bread, Baptism, Laying on of Hands, and Kosher Food, with suggestions why we think it correct to continue to observe literally only Baptism and Breaking of Bread today, while keeping to the principles behind the others. Questions for Thought and Discussion are included at the end of each section.

All One in Christ Jesus

What does the Bible say about the work of brothers and sisters in the ecclesia?

This book begins with Jewish and New Testament background, the teaching and actions of Jesus, and then the rest of the New Testament. The book proceeds to examine the Old Testament, historical understandings, Christadelphian attitudes to women, and the variety of current practice. After considering the various positions presented on the subject, it suggests what the position should be today. After a detailed examination of all the relevant Biblical passages, it is concluded that both brothers and sisters should participate in all aspects of ecclesial work if we are to be loyal to the spirit and teaching of the Bible. The criterion is reliability and faithfulness, not whether male or female.