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| Q: | I am a active member in a WELS church, and have found myself very discouraged at the fact that women are not allowed to vote. I read the recently posted question on this topic, and was very upset. Basically, the response given was that women can go to meetings, but not express their opinions. This bothers me, it seems to indicate that women's opinions are less valuable in some way. If the synod does not change soon, I may worship elsewhere. I really enjoy my congregation, but I feel women have as much right to vote as men. | ||||||
| A: | What determines the church's practice in this matter? The answer is the command of God. The Bible says that women should not exercise authority over men in the church (1 Timothy 2:12). We have no right to discard this command just because we do not like it and it does not agree with the spirit of the times. The frightening words in your message are the words, "I feel women have as much right to vote as men". You give no biblical basis for your feeling. Our feelings have to be subject to the Word of God. You can find plenty of Lutheran churches that will tell you it is okay for women to serve as pastors. The same Lutheran churches will also tell you that you do not have to believe in the Trinity or the virgin birth of Christ to belong to their congregation. The fact that there are many churches that will give you a license to believe whatever you feel is right can never release you from your responsibility to obey what God says. The only limitation we place on the roles of women in our doctrinal statements are that women should not vote in authoritative, governing bodies of the church. The church can take whatever steps it wishes to be sure that the opinions and concerns of all of the members of the congregation are heard. This is sometimes done through open forums, polls, and other means. Our congregations value the opinions and want to serve the needs of all the members. But we are bound by the Word of God. We have no right to change it to appease the feelings of the world. | ||||||
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