Viewpoint

Re.: Aug. ’98 General Synod, by John Kapteyn

Mr. Kapteyn has done a fine job of giving an overview of the work of the Synod. However, I must disagree with his assessment of the so-called "conscience clause" and express a different view. I would recommend that the people in the RCA read the report that was written as a background for the recommendation brought forward to General Synod (with the advise that Synod vote against the full recommendation and instead opt for only the part of the recommendation that called for a study and report on the general topic of dissent in the church). A fairly long and not so friendly debate ensued, and as John stated, Synod voted to look at the question of dissent.

The background paper is, in my view, an excellent examination of the issues that surround and underlie the ordination of women. I think that the part of the recommendation that was defeated would have addressed the fundamental truths that need to be unearthed in this, seemingly, endless debate. In fact, I do not think that women in ministry, ordained or otherwise, will ever be widely understood or accepted without this careful, prayerful work.

The role of dissent in the church is an excellent topic for study, but that study can shed but little (if any) light on the question of whether our Lord can, does, or wills to gift, call, or empower with the Holy Spirit, persons to the office of deacon, elder, minister of the word and sacrament, or professor of theology, regardless of the gender of those persons. That is the basic question, and it relates directly to legitimate authority in the church. Until this question is dealt with, we are acting irresponsibly—indeed, disobediently. If God can,

I believe that the role of individual conscience is an important issue and should be dealt with carefully. We, in the Reformed tradition, have many problems that our brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic or Orthodox traditions do not share, because we have no "pope" to pronounce finally on matters of faith and conscience (morals) for us. But let us not be naïve and think that studying the role of dissent is going to answer the question of ordaining women. IF it turns out that our Lord has no objection to women as office holders in the church, then repentance is needed by others. Either way, it is a matter of obedience to the Spirit, who is Truth, that counts. Your conscience and mine are not the best guides.

May God grant wisdom and courage to us that we may address difficult questions, not duck them, as was done in Synod ’98.

Sincerely

Doreen Leicht

Elder delegate—

Classis of Canadian Prairies