Response to the Vote on Ordination by Divisions in Europe, North America
From News Releases, July 9, 2015: The vote on ordination yesterday afternoon in the GC Session brought widespread disappointment among Adventists in the northern hemisphere. Both the denomination’s Trans-European Division (TED) and North American Division (NAD) issued statements last night.
The TED News published the following response to the vote: The outcome was not unexpected within the context of the World Church that struggles at times to develop understanding across cultural and even theological boundaries on issues that are outside of the denomination’s core 28 Fundamental Beliefs.
For the TED the result was disappointing. Many countries within the Division are among the most secular in the world and not only have strict rules on gender equality in the work place, but have many talented young people in the church who struggle to see why the ordination of women should even be an issue.
Following the vote Pastor Raafat Kamal, president of the TED, reflected that he saw today “as a global decision affecting a local context.” He stated, “We will have to deal with the local repercussions of it within the context of the TED.”
There are currently more than sixty female pastors serving within the TED territory. Another thirty women serve within an administrative capacity. “They have been watching today’s process with very keen interest,” he said. “For them, as well as all our members across the 22 countries the TED represents, we need to discuss a way forward. We need to support our female pastors, their constituencies and their congregations.”
Delegates listened carefully and respectfully to comments from those both for and against allowing Divisions to make a choice whether or not to ordain women in their particular region. For many opposed to the decision, the question was one of unity. Khanyisani Malufu from the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division argued that “letting individual Divisions decide on this matter will make for individualism. We need to stick together and not go against the Bible.”
That Bible view appeared to revolve around a more literal interpretation of Scripture. For instance, Uchechukwu Nwadike from West Central Africa stated that “the Bible says that God does not change… Jesus is the truth. He gave us the truth. He did not ordain any women to the gospel ministry. If that is the truth then we must live by the truth.”
Natasha Nebblett, a passionate and sincere young lady from North America and a leader in the Generation Youth for Christ Young adult conferences stated, “I do not need to be ordained. I say ‘no’ to the question and ‘no’ to dividing the church.”
The ‘Yes’ vote also had its strong proponents including GC vice president Lowell Cooper who stated that a “Yes response indicates that we will trust our brothers in Division Committees.” James Standish from Australia noted that “We are Bible believing Christians on both sides.. He then asked, “Can we respect each other? Vote ‘yes’ and get on with the mission of the church.”
One of the most poignant pleas came from Jeroen Tuinstra, president of the Belgian-Luxembourg Conference. He stated, “I am just trying to keep the church real. We may not be of this world but we are still in this world. We may wish to be in heaven tomorrow, but we are standing with our feet in the dirt of the Lord’s vineyard, showing the love of Christ.”
He then illustrated his point by telling of Maria, a young lady born in Colombia but who grew up in Belgium and who felt the call of God to be a pastor. He said, “She is a good pastor, open to her members, guiding them spiritually and being able to identify specifically with the children of the many immigrants from South America, who are caught between two cultures. Appreciated by many members, she shows evidence of God’s calling.”
However, following a pastors’ meeting where the issue of women’s ordination was raised, he found her in tears. “She cried because, when she listened to the call of God, she never wanted to be part of a controversy in the Church. She only wanted to respond to the calling of God in her life. She cried because she had to hear that, simply because she was born a woman, she was less than her male counterparts and that her church saw her as less capable or less called than if she were a man.”
So what is the way forward? Pastor Sam Davis, president of the South England Conference stated, “Many of our female pastors will be severely disappointed by this vote, as I am.” However, he refuses to be discouraged. Speaking on behalf of church leaders in Europe he said, “Many of us have female pastors working for us and they will continue to work for us.”
However, those pastors, and many of their male counterparts will need encouragement. Anna K. Z. Termey from Hungary reminded delegates of the Sabbath School lesson in the second quarter of 2015. Studying the gospel of Luke she saw that “Jesus lifted up women within a first century culture where they were seen to have very little value at all.” She pleaded for value for women in ministry.
Maja Ahac, ADRA director for Slovenia, is one of those who is hurting from today’s decision. “Being a female in leadership,” she wrote on the TED Facebook page, “today’s decision was really painful. How can I still fight for justice and equality for every human being while we don’t have it within our own church?”
That is an issue for the church to deal with in the coming months, and certainly leadership in Europe will take that issue seriously. Yet even with a level of disappointment they will fully agree with Pastor Ted Wilson, GC president, and his “John 17 wish that we should be one with Him [Jesus] to be able to finish God’s work.”
North England Conference president, Pastor Lorance Johnson summed it up at the end of a very long day: “I was very impressed with the way in which the delegates and observers conducted themselves. A positive example in how to engage as a body in dealing with difficult and sensitive issues. Following the outcome of today’s business, I pray that we all will focus on uniting together in fulfilling the mission given to us by God.”
North American Division Statement
The NAD communication department released the following statement last night (July 8): “The North American Division (NAD) of Seventh-day Adventists acknowledges the vote that took place earlier today at the 60th General Conference Session, not allowing for regional accommodation of those world regions asking to allow for the ordination of women. After much prayerful study and discussion, the delegates voted 1,381 to 977 to not pass the motion on the session floor.
“The leadership of the NAD is saddened by this vote, but respects the decision of the world body in session and we are committed to continual cooperation and fellowship with the world church. While today’s vote does not allow for each division of the church to ordain women to gospel ministry, we will continue to follow General Conference policy by commissioning women pastors, and ordaining women elders and deaconesses.
Many individuals in the NAD have weighed in on the conversation preceding this vote, and some of these conversations have become emotionally charged. NAD President Daniel Jackson shared his desire for the division after the vote. “We ask our members to focus their energies on the one thing we can agree with, the mission of the church. God has called all of us to serve Him in ministry, whether we are recognized by the church or not. The NAD recognizes that every person no matter his or her race, age or gender has a vital role to play in sharing the gospel message with the world. Let us be united as a family that is bound by the love and grace of Jesus Christ. While we may disagree on various approaches to ministry, let us all agree on the need to reach all people with the message of hope and wholeness, and a new life in Jesus. We will continue with our intention of placing as many women into pastoral ministry as possible. We affirm the important role they play in reaching all of God’s children. We ask that all members of the Adventist Church keep praying for God’s guidance as we move forward in mission.”
09 July 2015 @ 5:47 pm
It will be interesting to see how the divisions handle the women who have already been “Ordained” to the SDA ministry.
Will their “Ordination” be changed to “Commissioned” or will they be allowed to retain their “Ordination?”
10 July 2015 @ 12:59 am
These statements from the European and NAD departments show that the leadership have no knowledge of the Sanctuary and leadership established from the Creator Himself through its teaching. And while they demonstrate resignation in their words to the decision of the World Church with 60% against woman ordination, they definitely prove their true heart by the statement made at the end of their response – We will continue with our intention of placing as many women into pastoral ministry as possible. May He judge in this matter in my prayer!
10 July 2015 @ 8:20 am
A truly arrogant statement.
10 July 2015 @ 6:06 pm
How is it possible you can ignore the multiple committee reports commissioned by GC over last 20 years. All have concluded that the Bible raised no objection whatsoever to WO! Our university scholars have also reached same conclusions. If you believe Bible requires male on O, you must believe you have received a special prophetic revelation.
20 July 2015 @ 6:13 pm
It would have been better if the response should be couched in consultative manner, say ‘What are we to do then with the previous action of commissioning women this hasn’t been repealed yet? Let us give time for controlling committee to make ramifications on our policy resulting from the recent action. That I suggest a better option rather than a belligerent spirit which is not good for our healing.
10 July 2015 @ 11:53 am
May the good LORD help the TED and NAD Divisions to heal from their terrible disapointment and heartbreak at the loss of their thunderous tumbling down of the WOMEN ORDINATION agenda.Humility before GOD is cardinal!
10 July 2015 @ 1:25 pm
TED is my original home division; I am presently working in the NAD, and I was born in the IAD; and I have visited and worked in other divisions. As I reflect on the statements from the above divisions I am a little worried. Personally I do not think that God prohibits women from running churches although I believe strongly in the male headship of the family (and perhaps, carefully now, in society) that God has set up from Eden; and this is not cultural, although some cultures want a change, like they are doing for marriage. My fear is, when TED claims that society is demanding sexual equality, and this is true, will TED follow society even in same sex marriages, abortion, euthanasia, etc.? In other words, is society to call the shots or the Bible? Can the other divisions incorporate polygamy in their church as their society does? While the vote may be disappointing, isn’t God in charge of the world church? Isn’t this the voice of God from the world church? My suggestion to my fellow believers is to accept the vote and ask God for wisdom to press ahead. Remember, it’s not God’s fault that we started ordaining women even after the church voted ‘no’ previously. God can help us out of this situation easily, trust Him. Society will soon demand more of us, are prepared to resist or will we compromise because of fear and because everyone else is doing it? The church will appear to fall but it will not; it will be victorious is God’s promise to everyone that loves Him and…
13 July 2015 @ 11:10 am
I am afraid that this will be the next agenda. Watch this space in five year or ten years. If the Lord does not come. I am positive that we shall hear of our brothers and sisters who want to serve The Lord, but are gay or lesbian and they need to be encouraged.
10 July 2015 @ 1:32 pm
..everyone that awaits His return. There are disturbing things that are happening in the SDA church as far as standards and worship, and Sabbath keeping and other things, are concerned. The statements by our prophetess of the apostasy of church members and leaders, and churches are coming to pass. Let us remember we have a heaven to gain and a ‘hell’ to shun. Let’s chose life that we may live. Time is shorter than we believe; let us put our hands to the plough and press ahead with God’s work till He come.
13 July 2015 @ 2:01 pm
Women’s position in the church is not a doctrine. The appointed TOSC study said there was no theological reason for refusing to ordain women.
Culture is always part of a religion. Paul wrote that women should not speak, but should also cover their heads. This is not doctrinal but the common practice in that culture and at that time. It is not against a doctrine for women to have uncovered heads.
Paul also said that a bishop should order his family after him. Does that imply that all leaders in the church whose children have left the church should be defrocked?
He also wrote that women should not teach men. Yet the seminary has long employed female professor who teach men. What sort of inconsistency is being applied in those instructions?
10 July 2015 @ 1:57 pm
May the GOOD LORD bless and help the TED, NAD and other Divisions to continue ordaining Women to the Ministry in their Conferences and be merciful and forgiving towards who voted against it,” for they knew not what they were doing!”
Humility before GOD is indeed cardinal!
10 July 2015 @ 8:46 pm
Pedro: Let’s say that God bless TED and NAD to continue ordaining women as pastors of which the Bible says nothing about, and which our modern day prophetess did not seek or champion for, would God be telling the church that the voice of the world church is invalid? And what would that mean? A missionary from the West went to Africa and sought to take a second wife while there. Ok? after all, that society says it is okay. God works decently and in order. Give Him the opportunity to change what He sees needs changing, do not do it for Him, lest you be like King Saul.
13 July 2015 @ 11:13 am
My dear brother, do you know of any African pastor who has two wives? If you are not sure, I will tell you that there is none. It is the practice of the secular people to marry many wives, but this is not allowed to church members let alone leaders. So why even bring this up?
10 July 2015 @ 2:01 pm
Ron Henderson wrote,
“My fear is, when TED claims that society is demanding sexual equality, and this is true, will TED follow society even in same sex marriages, abortion, euthanasia, etc.? In other words, is society to call the shots or the Bible?
Slippery slope? Time will tell.
10 July 2015 @ 2:26 pm
Why does AToday not give as much space in its commentary to the views of those who oppose WO?
10 July 2015 @ 7:59 pm
Maybe It is time to do away with ordination. Maybe the Morman practice of a unpaid clergy is a good model. Maybe it is time to become more congregational.
11 July 2015 @ 7:42 pm
I’m for that! Maybe then we’ll finally separate the sheep from the goats –those who are in it for the money and those who are in it for serving Christ.
12 July 2015 @ 11:36 pm
Amen! Well said…
11 July 2015 @ 12:43 pm
TED and NAD will ask for gay ordination for sexual preference equality.
12 July 2015 @ 1:17 pm
After all the w/o vote was not. A train disaster or massive earthquake The younger generation should teach their children about the equality of sexes:The new generation will do the right and when we meet with Jesus : we will all celebrate the good work done by our sisters mothers and granies. a
13 July 2015 @ 12:10 am
“So what is the way forward? Pastor Sam Davis, president of the South England Conference stated, “Many of our female pastors will be severely disappointed by this vote, as I am.” However, he refuses to be discouraged. Speaking on behalf of church leaders in Europe he said, “Many of us have female pastors working for us and they will continue to work for us.””
I think TED, NAD and SPD (where I am from) should simply require all new ministers be commissioned – not ordained. That respects the GC decision but ensures equality amongst all new clergy. Commissioned ministers can otherwise with permission, under the SDA Manual, carry out all the same roles as ordained ministers, including baptisms, marriages and funderals etc.
The major barrier is only someone ordained can be President, open new churches and ordain local elders. However, I think a male ordained President (possibly supported by an ordained Deputy(s)) can do that.
Local elders can all be ordained by the President or his deputies en mass, at annual camp meetings, annual Presidential visists and sessions etc. The SDA Manuals allow local elders to perform all functions of elders in the meantime, except running communion.
This model makes almost all clergy equal regardless of gender – all are commissioned. The only gender restriction would be in the office of President, which must be an ordained male. I think that a good interim solution.
13 July 2015 @ 11:37 am
The notion that we should reach the youth by being liberal is changing how we do things in many ways. Many churches have adopted music that is secular just to please the youth. Our churches sound like clubs with the kind of din that comes out from the pulpit. Most churches do not use hymnals anymore. Church is just a feel good, entertaining place. All this to appease the youth. The dress code is no different from the world. Women, even the elderly are dressing in skimpy low necked-show it all dresses, and our girls come to church dressed like they are going to the clubs. Pastors wear T-Shirts and jeans. Just to make our youth happy. When one day they are grown and need direction. Who will be there to do it? What will they fall back on? Most of the hymns we sing are over 300 years old. We always had youth. Why are these ones more important than all the rest? I was once young, no one changed the way we worship for me although I loved the pop music of my time. When I went to church I still had to sing the hymns. I still had to wear a decent dresses. I did not necessarily enjoy the hymns then but I am so glad that I learned to sing them. Now that is all I enjoy singing. I have forgotten most of the pop songs that I loved to sing. I am happy that nobody changed the way things were done to accommodate me. I pity our youth, one day they will grow up and feel disappointed that their parents can sing all those beautiful hymnals yet all they know are seven words repeated seven time
13 July 2015 @ 2:15 pm
But Anne, didn’t you know that you did benefit from the changes made by some churchgoers before you? Aren’t you aware that some of the beloved hymns were originally old bar songs? Loosen up a little. You sound almost bitter that you didn’t get to enjoy being catered to. Many of us didn’t see much change during our growing up years. Let’s not begrudge the happiness that some of the newer modes of religious expression bring to younger church members. It may not be our cup of tea, but when you enjoy being around others you learn to make adjustments. Don’t you think?
18 July 2015 @ 7:12 am
My dear family the church voted not to ordain women and some Divisions went ahead and did so and some women are feeling saddened why? The TED needs to look at the response of the church of England in the Sunday Times they reported that some women Bishops say ” our Mother which art in heaven” they could not believe the route this ordination would have taken them Equality of the world is dangerous. Do we follow mans Equality or mans Equality as there equality may soon say a man can marry his daughter, before you say nonsense that was the same attitude to same sex relationships and marriage mans equality says love should not be denied in any form therefore watch out for zoophiles.
Be peculiar SDA it appears we want to be of the world and not be different. Brethren testing times shaking out times, the Devil is cunning in his ways. Press on SDA
Disappointed to hear my leaders in the TED BUC SEC NEC where they cannot say well the church has spoken and it appears its they own will they want satisfied and other feelings this is not a feelings thing.
Clem
18 July 2016 @ 1:37 pm
Hello, this weekend is good designed for me, since this
point in time i am reading this fantastic educational paragraph here at my home.