implications of the CTICR's Conclusion
Normally, the LCA would expect consensus from its theology commission for any change in doctrine. Though all members are committed to the scriptural and confessional basis of the church, we have not been able to reach consensus. However, a majority of commission members believes that the conclusion is consistent with the scriptures and the church’s confessions.It is clear that the conclusion would introduce a change in the doctrine as stated in the Theses of Agreement (VI 11). If this conclusion were adopted by Synod, it would not be merely a change in practice; it would change the public teaching of the LCA from prohibiting women from the public office to allowing them to be ordained as pastors. The commission fully understands that this would involve a major shift for the LCA, and therefore wishes to help members work through the implications. Difficulties encountered in doing this should not deter us from acting if scripture allows us to ordain women as pastors.The proposal to ordain women has theological and pastoral implications. The College of Presidents is primarily responsible for the pastoral issues, though they are also of concern to the commission. The commission, however, is concerned that, in reaching and implementing a decision, the LCA give due weight to the following three theological questions.
The question of truth
Christians are called to hold fast to their confession and to the truth which they have received (Heb 4:14; 2 Tim 1:13,14; Phil 2:16; Jude 3). It is equally clear that those who confess the truth given by God must reject all error that would negate the truth that has been revealed.
At the same time we believe, confess, and understand ‘in part’ (1 Cor 13:12), and will perceive fully only when we share our Lord’s glory. We are called to grow in Christian knowledge (2 Peter 3:18). Increase in knowledge comes not from going beyond Scripture, but from being led by the Spirit to deeper understanding of God’s written revelation. Jesus promised that the Spirit would lead the disciples in all the truth (John 16:13). If a change in the teaching of the LCA is to occur, it must be consistent with what is confessed as the clear teaching of scripture. It must also be consistent with all other parts of Christian teaching and the gospel. Due consideration must also be given to the teaching and practice of the whole church, past and present.
The commission affirms its consensus on the way we interpret scripture and on the doctrine of the ministry, as outlined in the Initial Report (pages 1-3).
The question of unity
Unity in faith is a gift that is to be preserved (John 17:20,21). Christians are called eagerly to ‘maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace’ (Eph 4:3). Divine judgement must fall on those who destroy the unity of the church, as the temple of the Holy Spirit, by their false teaching (1 Cor 3:17). Yet St Paul also acknowledges that divisions may result from faithfulness to the truth (1 Cor 11:18,19).
The commission has been sensitive to the issue of church unity. We share with all members of the church a deep desire to promote the unity of the LCA. We have experienced the pain of disagreement as we have debated among ourselves. We have also become keenly aware of the pain of many in the church as we have listened to responses of those who hold views with passion and conviction both for and against the ordination of women.
There are those who feel unsure whether they can stay in the church if it does not ordain women; others are unsure they can stay if it does. However, the first question to be determined is this: What is the will of God in this matter? If we avoid the issue simply out of fear of division, we do not act in a theologically responsible way. It would be equally irresponsible to reach agreement by means of compromise formulations and attempting to live with differences. Unity at any cost that surrenders truth and places a veneer over decisive differences will not lead to or preserve true unity.
The question of love
We are called to speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15). In debating this issue we have not allowed our differences to destroy the bonds of love that exist between us. We have consciously tried to avoid misrepresenting each other, and we have rejected unethical arguments which denigrate the brother or sister with whom we disagree. We would appeal to all members of the church to do the same.
Aware of God’s grace and praying for the leading of the Holy Spirit, we submit this report and commend the outcome to almighty God.
The question of truth
Christians are called to hold fast to their confession and to the truth which they have received (Heb 4:14; 2 Tim 1:13,14; Phil 2:16; Jude 3). It is equally clear that those who confess the truth given by God must reject all error that would negate the truth that has been revealed.
At the same time we believe, confess, and understand ‘in part’ (1 Cor 13:12), and will perceive fully only when we share our Lord’s glory. We are called to grow in Christian knowledge (2 Peter 3:18). Increase in knowledge comes not from going beyond Scripture, but from being led by the Spirit to deeper understanding of God’s written revelation. Jesus promised that the Spirit would lead the disciples in all the truth (John 16:13). If a change in the teaching of the LCA is to occur, it must be consistent with what is confessed as the clear teaching of scripture. It must also be consistent with all other parts of Christian teaching and the gospel. Due consideration must also be given to the teaching and practice of the whole church, past and present.
The commission affirms its consensus on the way we interpret scripture and on the doctrine of the ministry, as outlined in the Initial Report (pages 1-3).
The question of unity
Unity in faith is a gift that is to be preserved (John 17:20,21). Christians are called eagerly to ‘maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace’ (Eph 4:3). Divine judgement must fall on those who destroy the unity of the church, as the temple of the Holy Spirit, by their false teaching (1 Cor 3:17). Yet St Paul also acknowledges that divisions may result from faithfulness to the truth (1 Cor 11:18,19).
The commission has been sensitive to the issue of church unity. We share with all members of the church a deep desire to promote the unity of the LCA. We have experienced the pain of disagreement as we have debated among ourselves. We have also become keenly aware of the pain of many in the church as we have listened to responses of those who hold views with passion and conviction both for and against the ordination of women.
There are those who feel unsure whether they can stay in the church if it does not ordain women; others are unsure they can stay if it does. However, the first question to be determined is this: What is the will of God in this matter? If we avoid the issue simply out of fear of division, we do not act in a theologically responsible way. It would be equally irresponsible to reach agreement by means of compromise formulations and attempting to live with differences. Unity at any cost that surrenders truth and places a veneer over decisive differences will not lead to or preserve true unity.
The question of love
We are called to speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15). In debating this issue we have not allowed our differences to destroy the bonds of love that exist between us. We have consciously tried to avoid misrepresenting each other, and we have rejected unethical arguments which denigrate the brother or sister with whom we disagree. We would appeal to all members of the church to do the same.
Aware of God’s grace and praying for the leading of the Holy Spirit, we submit this report and commend the outcome to almighty God.