Statements on Women in Leadership, Female Genital Mutilation and Abuse

Women’ Ministries Directors seek support of Church leaders at Spring Council

The Women’s Ministries Directors of the 13 world regions of the Church voted on March 10, three statements that were presented to the Spring Council on April 12, 2016.Women in Leadership:
Considering the church is called upon to represent Christ to the world and the great need for leaders in a globally growing church the statement on leadership requests that women and men in leadership positions be treated equally in work load, compensation and responsibilities. This request is based on our fundamental beliefs affirming the equality of men and women and how Christ always treated women with justice and equality and that we need both women and men to fully represent the image of Christ.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM):
Considering the severe consequences for women’s physical and mental health and because FGM is practiced in some degree in most of the church’s world divisions, and the SDA Church has a voted statement on female genital mutilation, the Women’s Ministries Directors seek the support of church’s leadership to speak out against this practice in and out of the Adventist church.

Abuse:
The SDA Church has a voted statement against abuse of every kind and yet it is a growing concern in the church and in the community. That church leadership is called to affirm, uphold and the statement on abuse voted at the General Conference Session in Utrecht in 1995 so that abusers are held accountable for their actions and that abuse victims are protected and provided a safe environment within the church.

For the full text of the statements click:
Women in Leadership
Female Genital Mutilation
Abuse