In Victoria, Canada on September 5-7, 2017, the College of Bishops met to discuss, formally for the first time, holy orders in general, and the role of women in particular. At that meeting they said, “We have not effectively discipled and equipped all Christians, male and especially female, lay and ordained, to fulfill their callings and ministries in the work of God’s kingdom. We repent of this and commit to work earnestly toward a far greater release of the whole Church to her God-given mission.”
As part of that repentance and commitment, a Bishops’ Working Group on Holy Orders was formed to help carry these conversations forward. This group is co-chaired by Bishop Clark Lowenfield and Bishop Jim Hobby. At the College of Bishops’ meeting this week (January 7-11, 2019), the working group helped the College take the next step in this important conversation.
Ministry is a responsibility and calling of all Christians, not only the ordained. Three women were invited to come and speak about how the church can better support the ministry of women. The presentations below, introduced by Bishop Lowenfield, come from the Rev. Travis Boline, Mrs. Katherine Ruch, and the Rev. Deacon Lisa Schwandt. They were an invaluable part of the week, offering thoughtful, encouraging, and challenging insights.
