A statement by Alfred C. McClure, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, on Wednesday, July 5, in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Made on video tape immediately after the vote by the GC Session delegates turning down the request from the North American Division regarding women's ordination. A copy of the video cassette is being sent to every church in North America. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- During the last few hours the subject of gender-inclusive ordination has been the topic of discussion on the floor of the General Conference session. The issue was introduced by North America as it was voted by the Annual Council last October. Following that initial introduction, two theological papers were presented, one in support of the recommendation, by Dr Raoul Dederen, former dean of the Theological Seminary, and the other, in opposition to the Annual Council action, by Gerard Dahmsteegt, Associate Professor of SDA studies and church history at the seminary. A spirited 2 hour debate followed, with strong feelings expressed on both sides of the issue. Some saw it as the first step in compromising our strong commitment to the place of scripture in Adventism--that, since there was no thus saith the Lord on the matter, it should be forbidden in the church. The other position held that the New Testament church demonstrated that there are some policy matters affecting the church which God leaves to the church to decide. The speeches were intense, sometimes emotional, sometimes rational. When the secret ballots were counted, there were 673 in favor, 1481 against, which means the proposal was defeated. I wanted to come to you with this report just as soon as possible after the vote. It is essential that we understand as a division family the ramifications of the decision the world church has made. We were very much aware that whichever way the issue was decided some would be deeply hurt. The issue has been decided and the question now is, What of the future? First of all, we must not allow this issue to divide us. Let me tell you what I told the delegates: There are many who fear that if this permission is granted it will divide the church. I do not believe the church is that fragile. But I assure you that whatever our decision here today, there are some who will be profoundly disappointed. Some may fear the worst. Some may even give up on the church--whichever way the vote goes. My fellow-believers, we must not allow this issue to divide us... Godly men and women have debated and disagreed for centuries on decisions the church has faced. We must use this moment to model, for all who are watching, how mature Christians may strongly disagree and still leave the debate with their arms around each other. Whether you vote today (I told them) with the majority or with the minority I hope you will see it as your role to be a healing voice so that Jesus prayer for unity in His church may find fulfillment in our day. As I concluded my remarks to the delegates I made the same appeal to them that I make to you today: In the discussion that follows, let us not attack those who differ with us--let us listen to and respect their opinions. Let it only be said that when this church came together in Utrecht around a potentially divisive matter, that the Holy Spirit had His way, that God made clear His will to the body, and that the church came from the debate stronger, better able to accomplish its mission, and more closely united than ever before in its history. Let me tell you what I fear. Many, particularly our younger generation, are very sympathetic to anything that suggests racism or sexism. The civil rights struggle has sensitized all of us to discrimination in any of its ugly forms. Many are now looking to the church to see if the inclusiveness and fairness Jesus taught are practiced here. To many, this decision today will come as a serious blow. Yet we are part of a world church. The theme for this General Conference session has been United In Christ, and that is our goal, too, here in North America. We do not wish to break ranks with this great global family. So, how do we bring harmony in the face of this dissonance? How can we march together in light of a church action which to many will come as a crushing disappoint- ment? Let me share with you some recommendations which I will be bringing to the North American Division Yearend Meeting in just a few weeks. 1. The establishment of a Presidents Commission on Women in Ministry. It will be the role of this Commission to study and bring to the church--within the next twelve months-- specific recommendations on ways that the ministry role of women may be significantly expanded. There are many ministry settings where a womans gifts and perspectives are not only as valuable, but are more valuable than her male counterpart. It is God who gives those gifts to the church and the church must be faithful in recognizing and deploying them for His glory. 2. Even though women represent more than 60% of our church membership, they represent but a small fraction of membership at the decision-making levels of the church. We must see that this inequity is remedied, not just in a token manner, but in ways that demonstrate the value the church places on women. Further, this must be dealt with at every level of the church beginning with the local congregation. 3. Opportunities must be aggressively sought for women, not only at the committee level, but also at the various organizational and professional levels of the church, to exercise the management and leadership roles for which God has obviously equipped them. 4. We must find additional ways by which we can affirm women in pastoral and other spiritual ministries in the church. The General Conference Session decision did not in any way exclude women from ministry nor diminish their role or their effectiveness. 5. That a special day of prayer be held later this year for the purpose of bringing affirmation and encouragement to our youth of both genders who sense a call to ministry. This is an important moment in the life of the North American church. It is a time when much caring needs to happen. It is an opportunity for us to exercise Christs counsel that we bind up the brokenhearted. I want to invite you to join me in becoming ministers of reconciliation. The discussion of the last few months has generated strong feelings. Now is the appropriate time for us to ask the Holy Spirit to moderate those feelings so that this issue not bring divisiveness among us. I urge you to put an arm around any with whom you may have had a disagreement. Take the initiative to rebuild any bridges that may have been damaged. And I have one more urgent request... We must not allow this topic--or any other--to distract us from our mission. Events in North America during the past few months have reminded us that the power of the gospel is still present to change lives. We have seen a resurgence in soul winning that has surprised--and thrilled--all of us. It appears that we may be entering a time of unprecedented growth...here--in North America! We must keep our energies focused on this wonderful window of opportunity. I wanted to give you this report in person so (1) you would know the outcome of the churchs debate on the ordination issue, (2) to call us to a renewed unity, and (3) to remind us of our task here--which is to share Christs love at every opportunity. And I pray that God will continue to bless you as you serve Him in whatever role He has assigned you.