Church to study subject of women as elders

PASADENA—Church administration released the following letter to pastors and district superintendents.

January 17, 2003

Dear Pastors and District Superintendents,

In response to numerous questions from members, ministers and district superintendents, the church published in 1997 a study paper on the topic of women in church leadership. The paper ended with the words: "We have much to learn on this subject, both from Scripture and from experience. It remains open for study." It is now time to resume this study in a more intentional way.

The doctrinal review team will soon begin reviewing this topic, focusing on the question of ordination of women as elders and the related topic of women serving as church pastors. The first step in this process is to request input from church pastors, district superintendents, regional directors and church members in general.

Please keep in mind that all input should be well researched (with bibliography included), Bible-based, presented without rancour, and reflective of a clear comprehension of opposing perspectives. Highly emotional or opinionated papers will be of no value to the review process. Here are a few examples of questions that need study: How are biblical examples of women in leadership roles applicable or not applicable to the Christian church today? Is there reason to believe that Paul’s statement in 1 Timothy 2:12 is based on the particular situation at hand rather than being a permanent policy? To what degree is the situation addressed in 1 Timothy 2:12 extant in the Christian church today? When women prophesied, how did their authority differ (if at all) from men who preach?

As we all know, this topic is highly sensitive and even volatile in the greater Christian community. Denominations have been split over it. Local congregations have been divided. It is important that we prayerfully seek God’s will in this matter and not enter into discussions and review with preconceived conclusions. We want to assure all of our members that we are entering this discussion to seek God’s will, not our own, and that we value their input as well as the input from pastors and other church leaders. We will spend many months in discussion as we gather information, opinions, study and research on this important topic.

The following is a preliminary timeline only:

Request general input: January-May 2003.

Review prominent published materials: January-May 2003.

Review requested input: May-September 2003.

Draft preliminary statement and supporting documents: October 2003-January 2004.

Request general input on preliminary statement: February-March 2004.

Redraft preliminary statement: April-May 2004.

Church pastor review of redraft: June 2004.

Second redraft: July 2004.

Request general input on second redraft: August-September 2004.

Prepare tentative final statement: October-November 2004.

Ratify final statement with district superintendents and regional directors: December-January 2005

Publish statement with supporting documents in Worldwide News: February 2005.

This study will be announced along with guidelines for submission in the February Worldwide News. Thank you for your help and for your prayers that God will lead us in this process and bless us in its outcome.

Yours in Christ

Joseph Tkach

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