To Affirm Role of Women in the Church

WHEREAS, Holy Scripture clearly teaches that the pastoral office is reserved for qualified men, and therefore prohibits women from publicly preaching, teaching, or leading worship in the assembled congregation(1Timothy2;1Corinthians11;1Corinthians14);and

WHEREAS, The Synod has repeatedly affirmed this biblical teaching and opposed the ordination of women into the pastoral office as contrary to the Word of God (1971 Res. 2-04; 1977 Res. 3-15; 1986 Res. 3-10; 1998 Res. 3-25A); and

WHEREAS, The Synod has also consistently maintained that these scriptural prohibitions do not apply to women voting in their congregations or serving on boards and committees at the congregational, district, or Synod level (1969 Res. 2-17; 1986 Res. 3-09; 1995 Res. 3-05; 2004 Res. 3-08A); and

WHEREAS,The Synod has urged against practices such as women serving as elders or assisting in the distribution of the Lord’s Supper, due to potential confusion with the distinct functions of the pastoral office (1989 Res. 3-10; 2016 Res. 5-14); and

WHEREAS, The Synod has stated that the public reading of Scripture lessons by women is not forbidden by Scripture, while encouraging congregations to act with care and sensitivity in such matters, recognizing this as an area of Christian judgment (1989 Res. 3-14); therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod again unequivocally reaffirm its opposition to the ordination of women to the pastoral office as contrary to the clear teaching of Scripture; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm its doctrinal and practical positions regarding women’s suffrage and participation in boards, committees, and commissions of the Synod, as well as appropriate forms of service in the public worship life of the church; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage women to exercise their Spirit-given gifts in faithful service within congregations, districts, and Synod structures to the glory of God and the building up of Christ’s Body; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod commend the faithful service of women throughout its history and in the present, and actively encourage women to serve the church in various commissioned and lay vocations, including but not limited to: teachers, directors of Christian education, directors of Christian outreach, directors of family life ministry, directors of parish music, deaconesses, parish assistants, and directors of church ministries (Bylaw 2.6.1.1), as well as many unpaid roles of leadership, mercy, witness, and support; and be it finally

Resolved, That congregations, districts, and agencies of the Synod be urged not to restrict the service of women beyond what Scripture clearly prohibits, in faithful adherence to the resolutions and doctrinal positions of Synod.