Complementarianism
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Complementarianism is a view of the relationship between the genders that differs from gender equalism or egalitarianism, in that it believes that both men and women are equal in status, but can have different and complementary roles.
In Christian Theology, this view is promoted by the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. Groups of churches that broadly support this position include Newfrontiers, Sovereign Grace Ministries, the Southern Baptist Convention, the Presbyterian Church of America and the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, amongst many others.
Noted theologians and Christian thinkers who support this position include Wayne Grudem, Albert Mohler, Mark Dever, Mark Driscoll, C. J. Mahaney, Joshua Harris, Ligon Duncan, Terry Virgo, and John Piper.
The complementarian position has clear implications for the Christian view of marriage as well as the Ordination of women. Complementarians tend to view women's roles in ministry, particularly in church settings, as limited to one extent or another. For example, few complementarians would support placing women in roles of leadership, such as that of pastor or priest, though specifically what ministry roles are open to women varies widely among complementarians.
While complementarianism is often contrasted with equalism, it should be noted that there is another slightly different meaning given to the term by some who support the view that there can be complementarity without any form of hierarchy. This view argues that men and women are both eligible for all positions and roles, though each may bring something different (and complementary) to those roles. Thus one can subscribe both to complementarity and equalism. One academic book on this subject is "Discovering Biblical Equality: Complementarity Without Hierarchy" (2005) InterVarsity Press, by Ronald W. Pierce (Editor), Rebecca Merrill Groothuis (Editor), Gordon D. Fee (Editor)
