Voting and authoritative positions
Is it correct that women (regardless of whether they are single or married) in the WELS church are not allowed to vote for any matter with the church? And also, is it correct that women cannot hold any position in the WELS church that would have authority over a man? Thank you.
Much has been written on this subject and can be found elsewhere on this website. Perhaps you might be interested in receiving responses to your questions from Male and Female in God’s World: a summary of what we believe Scripture teaches about being male and female.
“The most common form of government found in our congregations (by custom but not by command of God) tends to vest final decision-making authority with the voters’ assembly. While we do not believe that all voting is always an exercise of authority, where a vote is clearly exercising the authority to give direction to others they are to follow for their good or for the good of others, there God’s people honor the calling God has given to the adult males of the congregation to exercise that authority on behalf of the family of faith.”
“When authority is being exercised in the church, God holds males responsible for exercising such selfless leading for the benefit of God’s family (1 Timothy 2:12).”
The document referenced above is a restatement of Scriptural Principles of Man and Woman Roles, the WELS doctrinal statement adopted in 1993. WELS district conventions this summer will have opportunity to provide feedback and input on the document. Individuals and groups can also provide feedback through a “comment box.” This link will provide you with the document and other information.