6 September 2001 Editorial:
In Support of the World Church in a Time of Crisis

Pacific Union's Action Opposing the Will of the World Church
Must Be Responded To

Larry Kirkpatrick

Pacific Union's recent action approving the potential election of a non-ordained President is a testing of the authority of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church. At this time we stand in solidarity with the leadership of the world church as they face the challenge. Our leadership in the North American Division and the General Conference should stand assured of our support of them as they respond to this unfortunate action by the Pacific Union.

The relationship between the North American Division and the rest of the world church has been continually strained by actions rising from the west coast. Over and over again issues revolving around the questions pertaining to women's ordination have been aggressively pushed to the top of the stack where the world church has consistently been forced to vote them down for their unsound nature. Our brethren around the world have watched as certain very vocal individuals have pushed certain of our Conferences in North America to take disruptive and unsound actions. The pot, it seems, is forever boiling on this topic. If nothing is happening in the public eye still it is going in the background.

What else can our fellow Adventists overseas think but that all of North America is brashly pushing forward in the same direction on this? Actually, let us reassure our members overseas that in spite of how it may look, the consensus in North America is opposed to women's ordination. However, many in leadership are for it. And so, we have a sharp divergence between the majority of our NAD membership and the various leaders pushing strongly for it.

Whatever one's convictions on the topic of women's ordination, every eye surely can see that the action of Pacific Union is an aggressive and out-of-order challenge to the authority of the world church. To make a political statement about women's issues, they have acted in contravention against the will of the world church. They are resolute. But they are wrong. And they are doubly wrong for serving as an inspiration for rebellion by making an in-your-face decision with full knowledge that they have placed themselves in direct opposition to principles held by us as a worldwide community of believers.

At this time we wish to encourage our leaders to come up to the battle--our leaders in North American Division and the General Conference. The action taken by Pacific Union is a shameful thing. If it is not responded to decisively, we know all too well what will happen next. Emboldened by inaction, they will go further and actually find a way to appoint a woman president of the Union. Then there will be a far deeper crisis. The challenge must be met now. And the world church is watching. They will want to know whether North American Division is with them or against them. Brethren and pastors in leadership in NAD/GC, we are with you. We are for you. We will sustain you in this crisis. We are praying for you. May God grant you courage to make the stand that MUST be made! We assure you of our prayers and interest in the success of your work as you hold the organization together, even when the challenge arises from one of our most influential Unions. You must not be silent.

This document may be freely reproduced, distributed, and spread as the leaves of autumn.

Other items on this topic:
5 Sept 2001: Pacific Union Conference Defies World Church
6 Sept 2001: Supporting the World Church in Crisis
7 Sept 2001: SDA News Services Hide Union Action
8 Sept 2001: Express Yourself and Lift Up the Hands of Moses and Aaron

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