Diocese Convention: USA Advocates Women’s Church Rights

Indianapolis, USA – The USA Diocese Convention currently taking place in Indianapolis is making significant strides in advocating for women’s rights within the Church. Participants have been deeply engaged in discussions concerning the evolution of the Church in the USA and beyond. The positive motivation stemming from these resolutions is palpable.

Focus on Women’s Role in the Church

On Day 2 of the Convention, the spotlight turned to the role of women in the Church. A thought-provoking discussion led to the establishment of an 8-point mandate aimed at ensuring that female members have full involvement in the Church’s administrative system. This move is a significant step towards greater gender equality within the Church, emphasizing the importance of empowering women in leadership roles in accordance with Church laws.

8-Point Mandate for Women’s Empowerment

The Celestial Church of Christ tenets and ordinances, settled by divine order, remain non-negotiable. However, duly baptized and anointed women in the Diocese are privileged to carry out the following functions if assigned or approved by the appropriate authority:

1. Serve in Administrative Roles: Women can serve as Chairperson, Treasurer, or hold any other office within the Parochial Committee, except for the position of Secretary of the Church.
2. Harvest Committee Roles: Women can serve as Chairperson or hold any office within the Harvest Committee.
3. Parish Ministries: Women can serve as Chairperson or hold any office within any of the Parish Ministries.
4. Evangelism and Preaching: Women can evangelize/preach the Good News in a Crusade or share the Word of God with the congregation after the Sabbath day service. However, they cannot deliver the sermon, conduct revivals, mount the pulpit, or the announcement podium.
5. Liturgical Restrictions: Women cannot carry the incense burner or sprinkle holy water on the congregation.
6. Offering Collection: Women cannot receive the Thanks offering.
7. Prayer Leadership: When men are available, women cannot lead the 3 or 7-members prayer.
8. Grace/Benediction: Women cannot say the grace/benediction over the congregation.

Signatories

The mandate and resolutions have been signed by key figures of the Diocese Convention:

• AVSE Kayode Nunayon, Convention Chairman
• AVSE Kudus Tunji Badmus, Host Regional Supervisor
• AVSE Victor Adewusi, Diocesan General Secretary
• AVSE Yomi Dodo-Williams, Chairman, Shepherds Council
• VSE Joseph Olorunnisola, Head of Diocese, USA
• Rev. EMF Oshoffa, Pastor/Spiritual Head CCC Worldwide

Conclusion

The USA Diocese Convention is making a notable impact by advocating for greater gender equality within the Church. Through the establishment of the 8-point mandate, the Convention highlights the importance of empowering women in leadership roles while adhering to the fundamental ordinances of the Church. This initiative represents a significant step towards inclusivity and the recognition of women’s contributions within the Church community.