The General Synod Resolution on Ordination
The decision of General Synod to remove a clause from the LCA Doctrinal Statement called the ‘Theses of Agreement’ has been the topic of much conversation, leaving some church people rejoicing, some anxious and some confused by what that means for us. This can result in people giving and receiving only partial information, which may be unhelpful.
It may be constructive to reiterate some things I have said before. In an earlier communication, I explained that the clause which synod voted to remove, known as TA 6:11, states:
Though women prophets were used by the Spirit of God in the Old as well as in the New Testament, 1 Cor 14:34,35 and I Tim 2:11–14 prohibit a woman from being called into the office of the public ministry for the proclamation of the Word and the administration of the Sacraments. This apostolic rule is binding on all Christendom; hereby her rights as a member of the spiritual priesthood are in no wise impaired.
The Theses of Agreement has formed the basis for church unity since the two prior Lutheran synods combined in 1966 to form the LCA. Naturally, the removal of this clause of our common confession on the Office of the Ministry will affect the public teaching and practice of the LCANZ, meaning that women as well as men will be able to be ordained as Pastors and called to congregations who choose to do so.
Pastors Conference advised and synod agreed that CTICR prepare a Pastoral and Theological statement to include a description of the exegetical differences among us as to ‘who is to be ordained into the office of the public ministry’, what this means for our common life as one church, and what will be the provision for conscience concerns. This is to be discussed at pastors’ conferences in 2025, and thereafter presented for adoption at an interim online General Convention.
Synod’s decision paved the way for a greater part of the proposed Way Forward Framework to be enacted in the LCANZ. A summary of that framework is available via the link HERE.
Further to that, your congregation’s synod delegates have been provided with resources which have been prepared to assist them to answer questions they might receive from congregation members. Please ask your delegate about anything of which you are unsure.
It may also be helpful to recall some of what I wrote to District congregations soon after synod:
“No doubt, some of you are joyful and hopeful about the outcome of the Way Forward resolution, while for others there is deep sadness, concern for the church, and for some, uncertainty about their place in this church.
My encouragement is this:
If you are happy with the outcome of the synod vote on ordination, please consider those for whom it causes grief or uncertainty.
If the outcome of the synod vote troubles you, I encourage you to let it sit with you and not to make hasty reactions or decisions. Reflect on it patiently and prayerfully, immersed in Scripture and the promises of your baptism. Seek the mutual conversation and consolation of the fellow members who journey with you.
Besides our processing of what this means for us, we should not forget that there are always considerations beyond our own. We are part of a wider church-family which includes people who could benefit from our support.
St Paul encourages us as he did the Christians in Galatia during their time of struggle, ‘Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ’ (Gal. 6:2).
In your conversations, emails and on social media, please be mindful of the Eighth Commandment. Yes, say how you are feeling if you need to, but be careful not to speak ill of others, either by what you say or imply. As St Paul’s encouraged the Colossians, ‘Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt’ (Col. 4:6a).”
