why women should cover their heads when praying, teaching and prophesying in church

The practice of women covering their heads during prayer is discussed in 1 Corinthians 11:4-16, where the Apostle Paul addresses the customs of worship within the Christian community in Corinth. This passage is one of the primary texts that has been used to discuss the issue of head coverings for women in the context of Christian worship and prayer.

Paul writes, "Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved" (1 Corinthians 11:4-5). The passage continues to discuss the reasons for this practice, which include considerations of authority and angels, and concludes with, "Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?" (1 Corinthians 11:13).

The Apostle Paul's instructions were given in a specific cultural, social, and religious context. The practice of head coverings was culturally significant in Corinth and the broader Roman Empire at the time. Paul's guidance aimed to promote order, respect, and propriety within the Christian community, reflecting an outward sign of an inner attitude of prayerfulness and submission to God.

Interpretation and application of this passage have varied widely among Christians throughout history and into the present. Some Christian traditions and denominations interpret these verses as a timeless commandment and continue the practice of women covering their heads during prayer and worship as a sign of humility and submission to God. Others view the practice as culturally bound to the time of Paul's writing and not a required practice for contemporary worship.

Ultimately, the decision to cover one's head during prayer is often considered a matter of personal conviction and cultural context, in light of the broader biblical principles of worshiping God with reverence, order, and respect for one's community and its traditions. In all practices, the heart's posture before God, characterized by love, humility, and a desire to honor Him, is of utmost importance.

We here at the 21st Century Church of Christ require our sisters who are participating in worship services to cover their heads with a scarf, bonnet, or some other appropriate head covering to show respect to the authority of Yahweh and His Son, Yeshua (Jesus Christ), the Angels, and the brothers in the congregation as so stated above.

This ordinance is in harmony with the scripture that every woman who prays or prophesies must do so with her head covered. We delight in the fact that the sisters of our messianic community have a vital part in God's Kingdom. We intend to honor our Heavenly Father in every way we can during our service to Him.

When a woman wears her head covered she is showing that she respects her position in the Christian community as an important contributor to the ministerial work of preparing the congregation for the return of Christ. Since we fully believe the Lord is overseeing our services, we indeed want to give Him our best. This is a matter of faith for the Church and not just a matter of conscience as some believe.