The high calling to women is that of teaching by example; quietly shining the truth rather than proclaiming it. Like Sarah was to Abraham, as Peter points out, wives can be to their husbands and to all men beacons that bring encouragement, or holy shame and change, without speaking a word (or without a pointed absence of communication, for that matter). Mary is the best example. Her own words say it best; "Be it done unto me according to thy word". Whatever else she was, eternally virgin, totally free of sin, assumed into heaven; one thing is very clear from scripture; Mary let God define her and her culture. Mary's sinlessness was, in my view, her submission; her faith; her lowliness unto God's exaltation. She is, before she ever was called the Queen of Heaven, the example for Christian women throughout time; and as such the example for the entire Church, the Bride of Christ.
Can you not see the beauty of this? I can see it so clearly I want to sing it myself. This issue does not revolve around the stubborness of a clique of male rulers resisting the '90s. This issue is one of the prime themes of God's work in humanity, more lovely than any aria ever written. It has to do with God's work in calling His beloved home. Sing it with Mary. Lead us all, with her, in this the Song of Songs. Be the Bride, soft and present. No one can diminish the glory of one skilled and constant in that song. This is the ministry the church lacks most in this present time. Sing this song well, and hush the profoundest priest.