new church life: march/april 2015
organization can be gradually formed in the Church, or the Church be placed
in such a position that such an organization can be allowed to grow; for a true
organization is the result of growth, and is not built in a day. It is proper, however,
that a beginning be made, of some kind of organization, for the sake of the uses that
are to be done, and in accommodation to those uses. (Pendleton 109)
“The quality of a Church is according to the quality of its government.”
(Pendleton 107) Should we not strive to be steadfast in having a spiritual idea
rule our government? The “government in heaven is the government of mutual
love (Heaven and Hell 213); from mutual love springs mutual confidence,
which flourishes only in an atmosphere of freedom, where external bonds
have been removed.” (Ibid)
I ask that we seriously consider whether it wouldn’t be more in keeping
with a heavenly idea of government to give women the freedom to pursue the
profession of priest. I also suggest for consideration the idea that any necessary
“guards, checks and balances” would flow naturally “from the very form itself ”
of the woman working in ordained ministry.
I believe a change in our ordination policy would be for the protection of
the freedom of our members and such an action in our church would be one
grounded in principles of use and trust in the Lord’s Providence.
Perhaps as part of the growth of our church the Lord is bringing this “new
thing” to bear – or perhaps not. Although I may feel personal resolve around
this issue, I must surrender my idea of what would be right for the General
Church to the Lord’s leading. I find it helpful to remember the wise words of
Gamaliel: “If this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is
of God, we cannot overthrow it – lest we even be found to fight against God.”
(Acts 5:38-39)
(To contact Chelsea Odhner: [email protected])
Works Cited
Doering, Charles E. “New Beginning.” New Church Life 57.4 (1937): 114-
20. General Church of the New Jerusalem. Web.
Odhner, Carl T. “Church of the Academy” and “General Church of the
New Jerusalem.” New Church Life 17.3 (1897): 44-45. General Church
of the New Jerusalem. Web.
Pendleton, Wi lliam F. “Notes on the Government of the Church.” New
Church Life 17.7 (1897): 107-10. General Church of the New
Jerusalem. Web.
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