Ordination – what’s next?

The LCA’s Commission on Theology and Inter-Church Relations (CTICR) has started work on a draft doctrinal statement for the ordination of women and men in the church. This is in response to synod’s instruction to the commission at General Convention in Queensland last October.

While 64 per cent of delegates to the 18th General Convention voted in favour of the ordination of women in the LCA, the church’s constitution requires a two-thirds majority to bring about a change in matters of a theological or confessional nature. This meant the status quo of the ordination of men only would remain.

‘People are interpreting this vote in various ways’, LCA Bishop John Henderson said. ‘Is the conversation trulyover when 64 per cent voted in favour? Has God spoken his “no, never” quite clearly?

‘Is continuing to discuss this issue direct disobedience (God’s no means no), or is it persistent faithfulness (God has his own good time)? ‘These, and many other responses, will remain questions for us during this synodical term.’ Bishop Henderson said it was ‘reasonable to expect’ synod would discuss the matter again in 2018, particularly in the light of the resolution that CTICR prepare a statement containing a theological basis for the ordination of both women and men in preparation for the next general convention. This resolution, which synod overwhelmingly adopted, is to include an explanation as to why such a move need not divide the church.

Synod also resolved that the LCA’s General Church Council would resource this work. CTICR has begun work on the project, and there will be a ‘church-wide consultation’ on the preliminary draft statement once it is ready for distribution.

‘I pray that while this work is going on we will receive grace to apply the principles of mutual respect, listening, and patience that delegates learned and practised during the 2015 convention’, Bishop Henderson said.

The timeline:

• During 2016 the CTICR will prepare the preliminary draft statement.
• Commencing around March 2017 the LCA will conduct a church-wide consultation on the preliminary draft, involving regional meetings of synod delegates and members, district pastors conferences and electronic submissions.
• In early 2018 the CTICR will complete finalise the draft for presentation to the July General Pastors Conference.
• By the time the draft reaches the General Convention of Synod in October 2018, delegates and members of the LCA will be familiar with its contents.

The ‘Ordination. We’re Listening’ website remains available for resources and background information. Later this year, members will again be able to post comments and papers.