Chapter 15

1Behold, we declare to you that the condemnation is great for those who perform such deeds. We command you not to do this, for it is a transgression of the law.

2The head of the woman is the man, who is appointed to the priesthood. We therefore ought not to transgress against the Creator by leaving the head and following the member. The woman is a member of the man and came forth from him, and children are born from her. He said to her, “He is your lord.” Therefore, as we have already said, do not permit women to admonish or teach or to exercise the priestly office, which is not commanded in the law.

3Whoever does this has transgressed against God and is like those without knowledge, namely, those who appoint women as priestesses to carved images of women. Such women remain far from the institution of Christ.

4Therefore, women ought never to baptize anyone. If it were lawful for women to baptize, our Lord Jesus Christ would have been baptized by his mother and not by John. He would not have sent only us into the world to baptize, but would also have sent women to baptize with us.

5We likewise command you that women do no such thing. Even if they are very wise, possess faith, and know the Scriptures, we do not permit them to baptize or preach the Gospel.