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| Q: | As a former Missouri Synod member, I would like a better exclamation of why women are not allowed to vote in the Wisconsin Synod. I am only quoted the passage (which I believe is in Galatians??) which says that women shall keep quiet in the Church in Church matters. Particularly, I am wondering why women cannot vote on such things as the carpet, new Church, etc. After being single for 47 years, I believe these rights are being taken away. What about the widows in this Church? Did not Jesus talk to the prostitute at the well; Mary was present at the crucifixtion; Jesus was born of Mary and the list goes on. There are several passages which I believe also state that Man and Woman are equal. I have heard that there are some Wisconsin Synod Churches that let both the men and women vote on issues (as to carpet, etc.) and the majority rules; and then the elders make a motion to rule in that order. I would appreciate any information which you can give me. I am thinking of going back to Missouri Synod. I believe that this is only man's interpretation over the centuries; and the Wisconsin Synod needs to take a long hard look at this issue. I appreciate any reply. God Bless!! | ||||||
| A: | If you have Internet access, I invite you first to go to the Questions & Answers pages on our WELS site Look under Christian Living, Roles. There are four sets of questions there on the subject. You can also order materials from Northwestern Publishing House, particularly a BIBLE STUDY ON MAN AND WOMAN and MAN AND WOMAN IN GOD'S WORLD. Please see that the WELS position is rooted firmly in Scripture and that we try to apply the teaching in love and with understanding. The primary issue is one of authority and how God has said it should (or should not) be exercised in the church. It does not mean that a woman's voice cannot be heard. Individual congregations will sometimes have joint meetings of men and women to discuss issues like carpeting, but they reserve the authoritative vote for the men (church council, voters' assembly). Some congregations will invite women to attend voters' meetings but not to exercise authority by voting. Each church has to choose for itself whether such practices are practical. In some cases, such practices might be interpreted as a violation of God's will and, therefore, should not be rushed into without proper education. The passages you refer to that show women close to Jesus and equal under God are important reminders that all of us are equally saved. The question of roles and voting should not be thought of as in any way affecting the oneness we enjoy in Christ. It should be seen as an orderly way that God has shown us to conduct our business on earth. | ||||||
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