From Christians for Biblical Equality’s Arise e-zine, January 28, 2011:
“The South Andhra Lutheran Church in India ordained its first women pastors on January 12, 2011. Rev. Nelavala Gnana Prasuna, one of four women who were ordained, described her ordination as a “celebration of liberation, inclusion, reconciliation, and equal opportunity.” Expressing the conviction that the church would grow as a result of women’s ordination, she reminded women in ministry “not to divide but to unite, not to exclude but to include, and not to rule but to nurture.”
Somehow, I can’t imagine Rev. Prasuna ever inciting her flock to “resist the tyranny” of politics that she disagrees with, nor would she ever, I think, portray her government and its leaders as enemies, usurpers, and shadowy figures worthy of their prayerful contempt. May God expand her circle of influence as she lovingly exercises her gifts in the true power of the Spirit, and not in the false power of combative and divisive rhetoric. The former is not the provenance only of women, but, sadly, the latter appears to be the near-exclusive domain of men.
My prayer is that those masculinist men who would question Prasuna’s ordination would shift their focus from denying her gifts to following her example, for the good and Godly edification of the Body of Christ.
“celebration of liberation, inclusion, reconciliation, and equal opportunity.”
Nice secular motto. Where is Christ?
By the way, did you see what is happening in Egypt?
Comment by Ashwin — January 30, 2011 @ 4:51 am
Umm, Ashwin, I’m not sure if you noticed, but her comments were part of the Christian ceremony honoring this Christian woman’s service to Christ Jesus. Who, I think, is not at all dishonored by what you call a “nice secular motto” that, to me, perfectly captures the healing message of the Gospel — reconciliation to God for sinners, through Christ Jesus, and reconciliation between his followers, through the Spirit.
Why does that offend you?
Keely
Comment by Keely Emerine-Mix — January 30, 2011 @ 6:19 pm
There is an insidious method of conducting school exams in India. Faced with a large number of children and few teachers, the strategy to maximize papers corrected per teacher is to have a set of “model answers” which contain certain key words. The student whose answers contains all the correct keywords is given full marks. Students (and coaching classes) have long got wise to the way of evaluating answer sheets and an effective strategy to get good marks is to mug up these key words (I have employed it myself with excellent results).
Trouble is, we can’t shake the habit. Your lady pastor clearly hasn’t. Only the examiner she is trying to please has changed. And I do not think that is Christ.
I don’t really mind that she is a lady. I think I should though. But I don’t really care for people that much. As long as MY pastor is an articulate gentleman, I am happy. Others can lump it.
One day the Lord will cure me of this apathy and THEN I will really be angry at that lady. As I am, I couldn’t care less …
God bless!
Comment by Ashwin — February 1, 2011 @ 7:07 pm
In reference to your most recent comment, Ashwin, all I can say is that it’s good you’re not at all, ummmm, bitter.
Keely
Comment by Keely Emerine-Mix — February 2, 2011 @ 12:32 am