John Roberts Theological Seminary
By Charlotte Fisher
We 27 women walked into a worship service already in progress on the campus of John Roberts Theological Seminary in Durgapur. The room was nearly full of men. Well, there were about 30 women, who also are studying at the seminary. There were empty chairs in the chancel behind the lectern, and leaders of the Global Exchange were invited to sit there. Two women went forward. “But wait,” we said. “Shouldn't those of us who are teaching elders also sit up front?” Three more were seated. Then someone asked if there were other ordained women among us. With only one or two exceptions, the rest of us stood. There was a moment of stunned silence; the Presbyterian Church of India does not ordain women, although many (men and women) would like to see it happen in their church.
Ordination of women is no longer a question in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Many of us do not even remember a time when women weren’t ordained. Women in the Presbyterian Church of India already minister to the needy, and lead their churches in other ways, just as in the United States. They work with women, children and youth in need; in drug recovery, health care, education and skills development programs that improve the lives of entire families. But they long for ordination, to be recognized and commissioned in their home churches so that they may serve Christ as He has called them, as deacons and as ruling and teaching elders. Please pray for the ordination of women in the Presbyterian Church of India.
Charlotte traveled to India in October 2011 with Presbyterian Women’s Global Exchange.
Invite the participant from your synod to your next event to share more insights from this life-changing trip.
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