“If we leave the PC(USA), where are we going to go?” The troubled question came from an evangelical woman, a young leader and emerging scholar in conservative circles. At issue was the possibility of a split in the denomination, likely to be led by disaffected conservatives. “We know where the women stand in the PCA [Presbyterian Church in America],” she said. “The EPC [Evangelical Presbyterian Church] said women’s ordination is optional, and they’ve opted to ‘just say no.'” Then came the clincher. Referring to the testosterone-driven conference she and I were attending, she added, “Frankly, I hear these men saying they will do things differently, but I don’t know if I can trust them.”
How tragic it would be if, in the midst of a grand two-year celebration of women’s ordination in the PC(USA), a long-threatened split occurred that would launch another denomination where women’s leadership role could possibly be diminished.
What celebration? Well, one hundred years ago (1906) a woman was first ordained a deacon in the UPCNA. Seventy-five years ago (1930) a woman was first ordained a ruling elder in the PCUSA. Fifty years ago (1956), the first woman was ordained a minister of word and sacrament. This convergence of anniversaries makes 2006 a fitting time to celebrate the ways we Presbyterians have promoted gender equality in a century long to be remembered for Women’s Suffrage, gender-inclusive language, and The Feminine Mystique.
What split? Well, in conservative circles several groups are drawing blueprints for a new denomination, splitting the PC(USA) over the issue of human sexual practice.
Amid the talk of the “irreconcilable differences” that would lead to a “gracious separation” of Presbyterians, most women’s voices are being drowned out. As any victim of marital divorce will testify, division exacts a high price. Innocent bystanders, the children of the divorce or, in the church, those whose role in leadership is new, less secure and easily withdrawn pay the highest price. Recent history gives us examples like the Southern Baptist Convention and the EPC, as mentioned above.
Many of us male Presbyterians, especially those who wear the label “evangelical,” have to admit that we had to be dragged into recognizing the equality the Scriptures accord the two sexes. A cursory reading of select, seemingly male-as-sole-leader biblical texts blinded us to other passages that affirmed equal status for women. It took relentless advocacy by Christian feminists, insightful biblical studies by scholars, compelling testimonies by candidates, and fruitful ministry by fearless pioneers to change our skeptical minds.
Will the positive progress realized in the past century be slowed or even reversed after reaching such milestone anniversaries? The enforcement of women’s ordination standards is being compromised in the case of immigrant congregations whose cultural roots find such standards a leap too long to scale–at least for the time being. While such accommodation makes sense in the missional context, we must be vigilant in presenting to such fellowships the case for full equality of the sexes. We need to further extend our efforts within our denomination. We should press for equal status in fact as well as in principle. Outside the PC(USA), we can provide compelling arguments to press our ecumenical partners and Christian fellowships across the theological and geographical map to join with us in affirming the gifts of women in their churches.
The Presbyterian Outlook will contribute its part by publishing a series of articles through this year that celebrate the heroism of the pioneers. We will revisit the biblical teaching that undergirds the equality affirmed in our Book of Confessions. We will feature emerging young voices, such as Carol Howard Merritt (see article this issue), and heralded writers, such as Ann Weems (watch for lectionary-based meditations by her each week in Lent).
More than anything, we will urge the church to stay together. Voices long silenced, having found a place to call home, should not have to wonder where to go.
