General Conference 2010 - #5

The decision was made prior to the GC Session that the question of Women’s ordination would not be discussed this year. However, this morning there was a recommendation to change the Church Manual in one area. Here is what I sent out to my “Journal Listserv” this morning: “This discussion began with a proposal for deaconesses to be ordained in Divisions that allow it (just like it is allowed for local Elders). The chair first read a quotation from Ellen White (Review and Herald, July 9, 1895) in which she clearly said that deaconesses should be set apart by the laying on of hands. Immediately there were lines at the microphones to speak to the motion. John Brunt was the first to speak and made a long speech in favor, and a plug for affirming women in ministry as well. But after that a long line of delegates from the African Divisions spoke strongly against the motion. They are concerned that this is an “ambush” and an attempt to ordain women as pastors. There was a motion to refer it (actually an amendment to the motion) back to the CM Committee. But that was overwhelmingly defeated. The delegation wanted to have the discussion on the floor. After a very long discussion Israel Leito moved that we table the motion and bring it back later in the session. That was defeated. They then voted to amend the motion to ordain deaconess without the statement that the Divisions make the decision. It was overwhelmingly passed!! I was really surprised!” What is significant is that the proposal by the Committee favored the Africans and those who did not want ordination in their territories. It would allow them not to allow it in their territories. Instead, the Manual now reads: “A… service should take place for ordination of deacons and deaconesses.” By accepting the amendment the delegation voted down the following: “Deaconesses may be ordained in divisions where the process has been approved by its executive committee.” One other significant comment that came from the VP who chaired the CM committee: He noted that the church will decide in the future whether EGW statement applies in principle to all who serve (elders and pastors) the church in ministry. This might open the way for the church to finally ordain women in all ministries. Interestingly at no time did those who oppose the ordination refer to the quote of EGW or to EGW at all! Constantly they said that we must follow the Bible. But on other issues quoting EGW to support a position would be unarguable!

Before the morning ended there were the election of some new officers of interest to me: Dan Jackson (Canadian Union Conference) as the new North American Division President; Lisa Beardsley as the new Education Director (Garland Dulan retired); and my former WIC student, Willie Oliver as Family Ministries Director, and his wife Elaine as Associate. This afternoon they brought the report of the Secretaries and Treasurers of the Divisions. A couple of interest to me: A change in Secretary in Inter American Division: Ellie Henry took over from Juan Perla. In the Trans-European Division a British woman, Audrey Anderson became Secretary. This report elicited a motion to send it back to the Committee, because there were only 2 women nominated. And with 60% of the church being women there should be a greater representation at the Executive level of the Divisions. A large number of delegates voted in favor. But it was defeated. What I find significant in these business meetings is the willingness of the delegation to oppose the proposals that are brought before the body. Rubber-stamping is not automatic. One last thing re. nominations: Robert Folkenberg declined the invitation to go to the GC. He will continue to be President of the Upper Columbia Conference, where Walla Walla University is located. And, ah! Tonight one of the reports was given by the Northern Asia-Pacific Division which include mainland China. They had 9 delegates from that country – the first in 65 years to attend a GC. There the church is growing very fast and the women pastors are ordained. One such pastor is the senior pastor of a 7000 member church – the largest SDA church in the world!