Women's ordination permitted since 1979; varies on male-only question; contested
The RCA has experienced a significant shift in its theology of ministry over the past fifty years. Traditionally, the RCA restricted pastoral and ruling elder offices to qualified men. However, in 1979, the RCA's general synod determined that women are eligible for ordination as ruling and teaching elders. This decision has proven deeply divisive.
The RCA maintains the doctrine of the universal priesthood of all believers: all members have direct access to God through Christ. The ordained ministry is a functional distinction for leadership and preaching, not a sacerdotal priesthood that mediates salvation.
The denomination now "varies" in its position: officially, women are eligible for all ordained offices. However, many RCA congregations do not ordain women, and many members hold complementarian theology. The decision to permit women's ordination was a catalyst for significant departures from the denomination. The RCA's internal diversity on gender roles in ministry remains a point of tension.
Key Distinctions
- Ministry model:
- Teaching elder (pastor), ruling elder; deacons for mercy ministry
Scripture References
Sources
- Heidelberg Catechism
- Heidelberg Catechism