This past week the PCA passed a resolution to ban female deacons. The choice to disallow women in the role of deacon came after the Pacific presbytery proposed an amendment to the book of church order to allow for men and women to be ordained into the role of deacon. The PCA’s decision was grounded in the 1987 Danvers Statement that describes what they believe to be the biblical role of men and women, i.e. “traditional gender roles.” The Danvers Statement upholds the view that men are the leaders and should reject the authority of women, who are to “joyfully submit.”
Some of the females in the early church who are noted as leaders are Junia (Romans 16, where she is named before her husband), Lydia (Acts 16), and Phoebe (Romans 16). The last, Phoebe, is called a deacon (diakanos). Phoebe is specifically tasked with taking Paul’s letter to the church in Rome and teaching/explaining the meaning of his words to the church there (sounds like pastoring/preaching to me!) Why is Phoebe, one of only 8 named deacons in the bible, not considered as one qualified for the role? Modern (emphasis on the modern) translations of the Bible choose to instead translate Phoebe’s role as servant, when the same Greek word is used to describe the male deacons in Acts 6.
Submission. Let’s look at that, shall we? Ephesians 5 calls for mutual submission in marriage, however, it is conveniently forced into a one-way path to subjugate females into a lesser role. The words intended to describe a relationship in Roman society and marriage is twisted into a manipulation of power. The context of society at the time or what the church in Ephesus was experiencing are not considered when applying scripture in the modern, evangelical church.
In Roman society, calling for mutual respect and submission between spouses was radical. The early church was giving a voice and platform to all peoples, acknowledging that the previous treatment of women was not to be followed. Roman society utilized slavery, and the Bible talks about treating slaves with dignity and kindness. We no longer live in a world where slavery is an acceptable part of society, but a person in the time of the early church could not conceive of a world in which slavery was not part of society. Why does the PCA feel the need to selectively uphold ancient practices?
The PCA is choosing to ignore the role of a named person in the early church simply because the men in charge want to hold onto every shred of power they can. What of the women gifted in serving in the role of deacon? Are they to suppress their gifting from God? The cloak of submission is one of oppression. Women are ignored and mistreated by the PCA in this decision, all for the sake of upholding male power and male “leadership.” This decision is yet another that echoes the reality that the PCA is not safe for women, and they do not see them as created equally in the image of God. Real people in the Bible who serve as a deacon (Phoebe) are willfully ignored and disregarded, plain and simply, so that men can oppress women in yet another way.
Hearing of the decision brought me feelings of grief and anger. I take comfort in the Spirit’s reassurance that leaving the PCA was the right choice for me and my family. I choose to not limit God and his use of all people for growing the kingdom.
Author’s Note: Nijay Guipta’s book “Tell her story” is an excellent resource and I highly recommend it for more information about female leaders in the Bible.