An ancient scrap of papyrus makes explicit reference to Jesus having a wife, according to a renowned expert in Christian history.

Harvard divinity professor Karen King unveiled the 4th-Century Coptic script at a conference in Rome.

She said researchers had identified the words "Jesus said to them, 'my wife'", which might refer to Mary Magdalene.

Christian tradition holds that Jesus did not marry - but Ms King said in early years it was subject to debate.

The provocative find could spark debate over celibacy and the role of women within Christianity, she added.

But the announcement sparked scepticism from some theologians.


This papyrus text shows how a single fragment can change how we see history.

Its unveiling could not be better-timed to generate controversy in the English-speaking world, coming just weeks before the Church of England takes a crucial vote on women bishops.

Since the late 2nd Century, Christians have debated the theological significance of Jesus's close relationships with women. Did his female followers have the ability to "speak for Jesus" after his death, in the way that Peter and other male disciples were invited to?

The idea of Jesus as a married man will generate its own controversy - but it would have seemed less surprising to early Christian communities when husband-wife missionary couples, like Prisca and Aquila in the letters of the Apostle Paul, were well known.

Later, Jesus began to be remembered as an ascetic teacher, but in fact the canonical New Testament sources do not comment on his marital status.

[link to www.bbc.co.uk]