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Women/Women in the Church

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › The Church › Women/Women in the Church

The question

I'm an American Protestant. While having a discussion with some Muslims from Saudi Arabia, the topic of women covering their hair was brought up. I was unsure whether on the matter. Can you please shed some light on the subject? Is a woman supposed to keep her head covered outside of the church?

The answer

The Holy Scripture teaches that women's apparel should always be modest. The guidelines for women covering their hair is most relevant in the teachings of St. Paul to the church in Corinth, 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. In his discourse to the Corinthians, St. Paul argues that women ought to cover their heads in prayer. The monastic order of women in the Coptic Orthodox Church maintains St. Paul's teachings. Since perpetual prayer is a canon for nuns, their heads remain veiled at all times.  

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 2057 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.