Chad Rancourt writes for General Theological Seminary’s GTS News about a panel discussion on “Ordained Women Called to Servanthood and Authority: Embodying the Paradox Inside and Out”:
Recognizing that Jesus called his disciples to lead as one who serves, saying of himself, “I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27), and yet Jesus taught as one having authority, and gave authority to his disciples to do works in his name and to “bear fruit, fruit that will last” (John 15:16). The panel addressed, among other topics, how ordained women — indeed all those called to ordained ministry — can find balance in embodying the paradox of being a servant-leader, while bearing fruit in an authentic way.
The Rt. Rev. Chilton R. Knudsen, Assistant Bishop, Diocese of New York led off the discussion and then passed the stage to the other panelists representing the neighboring diocese and General Seminary:
- The Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers, Canon for Missional Vitality, Diocese of Long Island
- The Rev. Dr. Kris Lewis, Rector of Trinity Church, Seymour, Diocese of Connecticut
- The Rev. Ophelia Laughlin, Rector of St. George’s-by-the-River, Rumson, Diocese of New Jersey
- The Rev. Lauren Ackland, Rector of Grace Church, Madison, Diocese of Newark
- The Rev. Deacon Denise LaVetty, Interim Director of Deacon Formation Program, Diocese of New York
- The Rev. Dr. Amy Lamborn, Professor of Pastoral Theology, The General Theological Seminary
Image courtesy of General Theological Seminary.
