BFL develops resolution on women in ministry leadership

After almost two years of province-wide open-invitation Listening and Learning symposia, and two extended study conferences within the board itself, the Canadian Conference Board of Faith and Life has developed a resolution on women in ministry leadership. This resolution will be brought to the Canadian Conference meeting in convention at Gathering 2006 to be held in Calgary, July 6–9.

Board of Faith and Life at their June meeting: standing (l–r) Walter Unger, John I. Block, John Wiebe, Menno Martens, Ken Peters, David Wiebe, Steve Berg, Ralph Gliege, Sherry Heidebrecht, Stéphane Rhéaume; kneeling, Merv Boschman, Keith Poysti, Hans Boge.

The request to lift the current restriction on Mennonite Brethren women being lead pastors came to the Board of Faith and Life from the Manitoba MB Conference in March of 2003. Due diligence was exercised by the board in fielding letters, doing an extensive survey, and conducting seven study conferences.

On June 5–7, the Board of Faith and Life met and pulled together all of the information gleaned. Once again the board did a careful study on women’s roles in fulfilling the mission God has given to Canadian Mennonite Brethren. A broad range of the relevant biblical texts were considered, including those passages historically interpreted to imply a restriction to women’s participation in the life, ministry and mission of the church for all time (1 Corinthians 11:2–16; 1 Corinthians 14:26–35; 1 Timothy 2:1–15).

In addition, the board reflected on theological, ecclesiological, and sociological implications that impact the interpretation of the Bible on this topic. After much grappling with these elements, the board determined a direction based on how best the churches and conference might be increasingly missional in our nation.

Executive director David Wiebe said, “I’m satisfied that the board has done its homework. There is very high respect for the Bible and its authority in our lives. And the vision to use all gifts available to Mennonite Brethren to accomplish their part of God’s mission in Canada is central to this resolution.”

All the congregations in the Canadian MB Conference are being informed of the resolution and the process by which it was reached. The Board of Faith and Life solicits prayer from the entire constituency as we move toward the Calgary convention.

The resolution draft (see Board of Faith and Life Women in Ministry Leadership Resolution) has been sent to all churches and will be finalized at the January 2006 meeting of the Board of Faith and Life.

—Walter Unger, chair, on behalf of the BFL