Equality of Women – yes, but ... Male and Female Disciples as Followers of Jesus and in the Gospel of Mark

Abstract

Gender equality is still a hotly contested issue in Christian churches. In the Catholic (as well as Orthodox) tradition, this is additionally linked to the question of the ordained ministry. The article first looks at the equality of male and female disciples in the group following Jesus of Nazareth from a historical point of view. In a second part, the equality of male and female disciples in the Gospel of Mark is analysed from a narratological point of view. Both analyses bring to light the fundamental equality of both sexes, but also show the limits of such an attitude set by ancient society.