Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - July/79

Contributor - Jenny Westra

Title - Women's Ordination As Elders And Deacons

Topic -Women

In the Reformed Church in America, a burning issue for several years, has been that of the ordination of women elders and deacons. Although the General Synod voted in favour of this several years ago, it has been left up to the individual congregations as to the stand they wish to take. Unfortunately, the congregation to which I belong has not yet taken the step to ordain women as elders and deacons. Thus, the talents of many women, who are suited to this task (perhaps more qualified than some male counterparts), may have been directed into different paths.

In the research I have done into this issue, there have been many arguments pro and con. Those in favour of women being ordained, use scriptural references and interpret them one way and those opposed use the same references and interpret them in another way. Both parties seem to come to the conclusion they are scripturally correct, especially such passages related to wives, conduct of women in the temple and their manner of dress. All the passages emphasize the culture of the time. Jesus came, and was revolutionary in his treatment of women. Examples of this are: Mary, whom Jesus encouraged to sit and listen, although her place was that of serving with Martha. And He taught the women by the well, who was a Samaritan, a people that the Jews would have nothing to do with.

The husband - wife relationship in Paul's time was one where husbands had a complete authority over their wives and children. Wives were barely a step above the slaves. Paul said, in Ephesians 5, that a husband should be willing to give up his own life for that of his wife, as Christ did for the Church. Was this not revolutionary for that day?

The present-day Church gave women the right to vote in policy matters years ago and yet have denied women the right to full membership by withholding the opportunity to serve on the consistory in some churches.

The Bible speaks in terms of "calling". Today, ordination is a recognition of a calling to which either male or female could respond. Galations 3:28 says, "We are no longer Jews or Greeks or slaves or free men or even men or women, but we are all the same - we are Christians; we are one in Christ Jesus" (Living Bible).

There has been much concern with the cultural change throughout history. Look at the cultural changes from Old to New Testament times. Polygamy was allowed in David's and Solomon's time. Dietary Jewish laws changed also. We don't keep slaves anymore, and women no longer cover their heads when they enter the sanctuary. All these changes were made with the passing of time.

Therefore, as there is no Greek or Jew, male or female, slave or free, let us adhere to that principle now in the office of elder and deacon and allow women to also serve in that capacity, if called to do so, in all congregations of the Reformed Church.

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