To Condemn Use of Women as Lectors

WHEREAS, St. Paul admonishes St. Timothy to devote himself to the public reading of Holy Scripture (1 Tim. 4:13); and

WHEREAS, St. Paul writes, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet” (1 Tim. 2:12); and

WHEREAS, St. Paul instructs that women “remain silent” in the churches (1 Cor. 14:34 NIV); and

WHEREAS, The public reading of Holy Scripture in the context of the Divine Service constitutes interpretation, and therefore teaching, of the Scriptures being read; and

WHEREAS, Pastors are specially trained for the exegesis of Holy Scripture and for the communication of that exegesis through the public reading of the Holy Scriptures; and

WHEREAS, The public reading of Holy Scripture cannot be carried out in silence; and

WHEREAS, Women are therefore disqualified by St.Paul not only from holding the office of pastor, but also from the public reading of Holy Scripture; therefore be it

Resolved, That the North Dakota District in convention admonish the congregations of the district under no circumstances to make use of women as lectors for the public reading of Holy Scripture; and be it further

Resolved, That congregations and pastors found in defiance of this admonition be further warned and, if necessary, be subjected to disciplinary procedures as outlined in the Synod Handbook (Bylaw section 1.10); and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod in convention condemn the use of women as lectors.