Catherine Pepinster’s column inspired me to explore the metaphor used of “the closed door” (“Is a ‘closed door’ really that definitive?” 1 February). I recalled the book of Revelation: “Look, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut” (3:8). Your suggestions as to ways in which the door might be prised open further encourage me to push further.Why not honour St Paul’s wider concept of ministry – teaching, preaching, healing – and bring women already exercising these ministries with wisdom, profundity and a deep love of the Church into positions of recognised authority? The Benedictine nun Joan Chittister comes to mind, but there are many others internationally. Secondly, pushing the door slightl