Should Women Cover or Open Their Head During Worship?

By Dayo Emmanuel

A recent Bible study discussion organized by “My Devotional” Group on WhatsApp sparked a thought-provoking debate on Apostle Paul’s instructions regarding women covering their heads in worship. The session, which featured insights from pastors, publishers, theologians, and Christian scholars, examined the cultural and spiritual implications of Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 11.

Theological Foundation: Paul’s Cultural Context

Pastor Olufemi E. A. Emmanuel Phd, a theologian at the West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS), Lagos, emphasised that Paul’s message was directed at the Corinthian church within its specific cultural setting. He clarified that Paul was neither addressing an English, Nigerian, Yoruba, Igbo, nor Maasai audience but speaking within the Greek cultural context of his time.

Pastor Emmanuel explained that Paul’s instruction on head covering was rooted in the social customs of Corinth, where a woman covering her head symbolized her marital commitment and submission to her husband. Conversely, women who shaved their heads were often associated with rebellion or immorality, a practice prevalent in Corinth, known for its sexual perversion.

Drawing a parallel with contemporary cultures, he argued that if Paul were addressing the Maasai people, where women traditionally shave their heads, he would have used a culturally relevant symbol to convey the same message of marital honor and respect. The key takeaway, he stressed, was not merely the physical act of covering the head but the principle of submission within marriage and worship.

Different Perspectives on Head Covering

Adeyanju Adewale: Head Covering as a Symbol of Spiritual Order

Adeyanju Adewale asserted that head covering represents obedience to divine order and is not just a cultural practice. He linked the rejection of male headship to modern gender liberation movements, arguing that such ideologies have contributed to moral decline. According to him, many couples struggle with unity today because they have moved away from biblical principles, with young people rejecting marriage in favor of casual relationships.

Dr. Gabriel Omonaiye: Questioning the Necessity of Head Covering

Dr. Gabriel Omonaiye raised questions about whether women need to cover their heads with scarves or hats, or if their natural hair suffices. He challenged the long-standing teachings of Orthodox churches—such as the Anglicans, Baptists, ECWA, Presbyterians, and Catholics—who have upheld head covering as a doctrine. While acknowledging the issue of hypocrisy in religious practices, he emphasized that inner cleanliness should also reflect outwardly.

Pastor Dayo Adetunji: Evangelism Over Legalism

Pastor Dayo Adetunji, a missionary in Tanzania, emphasized cultural sensitivity in biblical interpretation. He warned against imposing the head-covering doctrine on new converts, suggesting that the primary focus should be leading people to Christ before introducing deeper theological teachings. In response, Dr. Omonaiye agreed but maintained that once converts are discipled, they should be taught biblical perspectives on various aspects of life.

Mrs. Endurance Osibanjo: The Obsession with Outward Appearance

Mrs. Endurance Osibanjo questioned whether modern hair attachments, wigs, and weave-ons qualify as “full hair” for head covering. She criticized the excessive focus on outward appearance in Christianity, pointing to Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees, who emphasized external purity while neglecting their inner righteousness. She argued that believers should prioritize spiritual transformation over physical symbols and that women should be guided by their convictions.

Pastor Adetokunbo Emmanuel: Interpreting Scripture Without Bias

Pastor Emmanuel warned against reading cultural traditions into Scripture. He clarified that Paul’s reference to head covering was not about hair but a symbol of marital authority—similar to how wedding rings function today. He stressed that religious symbolism alone does not equate to true respect in marriage, as some women wear head coverings but still fail to honor their husbands. Ultimately, he urged Christians to focus on genuine faith rather than external practices.

Shepherd Godsbaby: Avoiding Legalism in Doctrine

Shepherd Godsbaby cautioned against making doctrines out of cultural practices that are not central to salvation. He pointed out that many believers mistake personal opinions for divine commandments, leading to unnecessary legalism in the church.

Gbenga Osinaike: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Convictions

Gbenga Osinaike, publisher of Church Times, highlighted the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers on personal convictions. He cited testimonies of women, including Nigeria’s richest woman, Folorunso Alakija, who felt personally led to forgo jewelry. He emphasized that perspectives on head covering vary widely and that individuals should seek the Holy Spirit’s direction rather than rely on rigid doctrines.

In response, Pastor Toks Emmanuel noted that while personal convictions are valid, they should not be imposed as universal doctrines. He stressed the need to distinguish between fundamental biblical teachings and personal revelations.

Pastor Immanuel Adeyomoye: Questioning Traditional Doctrines

Pastor Immanuel Adeyomoye challenged the tendency to interpret Scripture through cultural lenses. He argued that while biblical writers were inspired by the Holy Spirit, they might have included personal biases, particularly regarding women. He pointed out that Moses introduced laws beyond the Ten Commandments, which later became burdensome, and Jesus spent much of His ministry correcting these traditions.

He criticized theological traditions that place excessive restrictions on women, stemming from the belief that Eve was solely responsible for the Fall. Additionally, he questioned why the focus is often on women’s appearance while men’s conduct, including inappropriate dressing, is overlooked. He warned against turning religious practices into hypocrisy and called for a holistic approach to biblical interpretation.

Conclusion: Balancing Doctrine with Cultural Relevance

The discussion revealed a spectrum of perspectives on Paul’s teaching on head covering. While some saw it as a symbol of divine order, others viewed it as a cultural practice that should not be rigidly enforced. The debate highlighted the importance of distinguishing between personal convictions, cultural traditions, and universal biblical principles.

Ultimately, many participants agreed that true Christian faith should be guided by a sincere relationship with God rather than external religious symbols. As Pastor Emmanuel concluded, “God’s truth is universal, but cultural expressions of that truth may differ. The challenge for believers today is to uphold biblical principles in ways that resonate within their own cultural contexts.”

 

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