Author: Paskwale Pacoto Okeny (Adventist University of Africa, Kenya)
Abstract: This paper examined the practice of women’s head covering in 1 Corinthians 11:2–16 and explored its implications for Christian worship and discipleship in contemporary contexts. Drawing on biblical, historical and extra-biblical sources, the study demonstrates that veiling practices in the ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman worlds were primarily socio-cultural rather than theological in nature. Paul’s instructions, therefore, addressed culturally specific symbols of honour and shame rather than establishing a universal or timeless mandate for all Christian women. Imposing head coverings as a requirement for participation in worship, preaching or leadership risks misrepresenting Paul’s original intent, creating unnecessary barriers to women’s discipleship and limiting their engagement in ministry. Furthermore, strict enforcement of such practices may alienate congregants, particularly in cross-cultural or multicultural settings, and hinder the church’s inclusive mission. This study concludes that head covering should not function as a doctrinal test of faithfulness or as a prerequisite for participation in the Great Commission. Instead, churches are encouraged to emphasize broader biblical principles of modesty, respect and propriety while cultivating inclusive worship environments that enable both women and men to participate fully in discipleship and ministry.