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Originally Posted by Bygracealone  Quote:
Originally Posted by Zenas The ARP allows for their ordination, but it is up to the local congregation to decide if they want to allow them or not. There is no standing mandate from Synod to allow for female deaconesses. | Andrew, I believe there must be a standing ruling by your Synod that allows for this practice generally otherwise it would be a violation of the standards to ordain women to the diaconate. Synod certainly cannot mandate that women be ordained to the diaconate, that's for sure. But the Synod must have come to the conclusion (as a Synod) that the practice is Biblical in order for them to allow for it to be practiced.
That said, how this is carried out in practice will always come down to the makeup of the congregation. For instance, in our congregation, even if a woman were nominated to the diaconate, it's not likely she would have enough support during the election. |
The Standards of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
Form of Government
Chapter VII - Concerning Deacons, p.196 and 197, 2006 Ed.
2. To this office should be chosen persons* of good character, honest repute, exemplary life, brotherly love, sympathetic nature, and sound judgement, and who are qualified under the standards recorded in Scripture.
"*Circumstances of the local congregation shall require each session to determine the meaning of the word "persons."
The Synod leaves it up to the local congregation to define persons.
*Disclaimer: I am not saying I agree with this practice, but that this is the practice of the ARP.*