Encouragement and guidance regarding “Scriptural Principles of Man and Woman Roles”
In 1993, the WELS synod convention adopted a doctrinal statement entitled “Scriptural Principles of Man and Woman Roles.” The statement is a faithful and comprehensive summary of what Scripture teaches about the God-given roles of men and women.
By 2019, it became apparent that there was a need to provide clarification and additional context regarding the meaning and application of the statement. For that reason, the WELS Conference of Presidents (COP) initially determined that a restatement of the doctrine should be composed, not as a replacement for the 1993 statement, but as a supplement to it. The COP believed that additional clarification and context would help to answer questions and resolve possible misunderstandings and misapplications.
As the COP worked to craft a restatement, it became clear that a better approach would be to compose a pastoral letter rather than an official restatement. Such a letter would be “pastoral” not because it was intended only for pastors, but because it is pastoral in nature by providing evangelical guidance. It is intended for all called workers and laypeople as they seek to understand fully and correctly this biblical doctrine and its principles as they apply the doctrine in their lives.
With a full commitment to the truth of God’s Word, the COP shared this pastoral letter with pastors about two weeks ago to give them an opportunity to become familiar with it. Now the COP is making the letter available to all members of the synod. We do this with the prayer that God would use it to foster widespread discussion and a clear and faithful understanding of the beautiful principles of God’s design for man and woman as we live our lives in service to him and to one another.
Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder
