Affirming the ordination of women as our shared goal
On 3 June, the synod of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church (LELB) voted on amendments to its constitution that would restrict ordained ministry to men only. The LWF is saddened to see that the LELB is abandoning the shared path and practice among the LWF member churches.
The LWF knew about these amendments before the synod and followed the development of events with concern.
In April of this year an LWF delegation visited the church and expressed its concerns. During this visit the LELB was informed that at five successive assemblies the LWF member churches had set their shared goal of including women in ordained ministry. These decisions were made on the basis of careful study of Scripture and theological research.
Together the LWF member churches have moved impressively towards this goal – more than 80% of LWF member churches ordain women, and they encompass more than 90% of the members of the LWF member churches.
In setting this shared goal, all the assemblies have also underlined that the question of the ordination of women cannot be imposed either on those who need more time to make a decision, or on those who already ordain women or are ready to do so. An ethos of reciprocity and solidarity runs through this journey of the communion of churches.
The LWF expresses its solidarity with the women who, through the force of this decision, may feel marginalized and wounded in their dignity.
The LWF is concerned about the unity of the Latvian church, taking into account the fact that at the synod many voted against these amendments or abstained from voting.
The LWF is also concerned about the consequences that this decision will have for the LELB’s bilateral and multilateral relations.
Following such a synod decision, the LWF will begin discussions with the LELB in order to hear the church’s view on its understanding of the practical consequences of this decision.
Notes:
At five successive assemblies the LWF member churches set their common goal of including women in ordained ministry.
Photo LWF/J. Latva-Hakuni.
The plenary vote on 20 – 27 July 2010 at the Eleventh LWF Assembly in Stuttgart, Germany.
Source: Lutheran World Federation