I know that as our Synod continues to speak faithfully on this issue, we will find that there are bundles of folks in other church bodies who are distressed at the direction they notice their church headed with this issue and other related issues. This is an opportunity for us. We must emphasize that we prize highly the service of women in a variety of ministries in our church body. We must not for even a moment overlook the significant and meaningful opportunities for service in the church which are available for women in our Synod. Down through the years our Synod has been tremendously blessed through the faithful service of women.
Women are invaluable members of many congregations' church staffs.
Over 4,000 women serve in full-time church ministries in our Synod. There are many fulfilling church professions available to women. I am proud to be a part of a church body which is willing to speak clearly on this issue. May God bless as we faithfully continue to affirm the teaching of Holy Scripture on the ordination of women to the office of the Holy Ministry.