John,

I have not seen that practice in any churches I have attended.  I don't
believe that practice would violate any biblical principles however.
Scriptures tells us from 1Cor 11:4-6 tells us that a woman who has her head
uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head.  The very
implication of the verse tells us that, first, women were allowed to
prophesy and pray in the public assembly. The text clearly indicates the
propriety of women praying in the public assemblies of the church.   Lest
anyone thinks I believe that women should wear head coverings in church...I
think those verses were teaching that the Bible mandates clear distinctions
between male and female roles and appearances.  In the early church, women
distinguished themselves by wearing the head covering.  There is an intimate
relationship between one's outward dress and appearance and the inner most
attitudes of the heart.  I believe that was the main teaching of 1Cor
11:4-6.  In the early church,  that appearance was women wearing head
coverings.  A tradition that does not apply in our culture.  But I believe
the biblical principle that applies (still today) is that  there should be a
distinguishment between what women dress and act from men.  Women should not
act or dress like men.

What is not allowed, is that women teach in the public church assembly
before men.  But if a woman reads Scripture verses in the church public
assembly, I see no violation of biblical principles.

Carlo