Hope is central to our journey

He loves us. He cares for us. He is with us.

As we approach the Convention of General Synod in Adelaide, it’s crucial for us to reflect on our journey as a community of faith. This moment calls us to patient listening, setting aside any rush to conclusions, and renewing our trust in Christ.

The debate over ordination has been long and difficult, and many feel the weight of deeply held convictions. This is not just a theological conversation, but also a shared experience of faith, struggle, and hope. Even in the wilderness of this debate, we can trust that God is sustaining us. He has not abandoned us; he is with us every step of the way, looking on us with kindness and care.

At this juncture in the life of LCANZ, our most important task is to slow down and listen — again. The Church is called to move at a sacred pace. Historically, the Church has weathered its crises by listening deeply to the Holy Spirit, Scripture, and one another. That is the essence of the Convention of Synod: a gathering where we hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church. God is with us, and he still speaks to us.

He sees the pain and brokenness in our Church. Yet, like a loving parent watching over their child, God remains deeply involved, surrounding us with his care. He has not forsaken us, nor is he angry with us. Even as we wrestle with these matters, he is near, offering his peace and comfort.

I know that for many, this prolonged season of waiting has been painful. Some have lost heart and left the LCANZ entirely. This is true for people on both sides of the ordination debate, and their stories remind us of the seriousness of our decisions. As we speak of waiting, we acknowledge that it is often difficult and heartbreaking.

Many have asked why the ordination question is once again before us, given that we have already voted on it five times. The answer lies in our Church’s synodical DNA. Our Church is not governed by a magisterium of bishops; rather, we engage in ongoing conversation as the body of Christ, as proposals are brought to Synod. This is why the issue remains before us—because we are committed to listening to all voices in our Church.

Hope is central to our journey. The wilderness may seem like a place of uncertainty, but it is here that hope is planted and begins to grow. Hope comes not from finding the perfect solution, but from trusting in Jesus Christ, who upholds us with his grace. While the ongoing nature of this issue might seem discouraging, we trust that in God’s timing, no waiting is ever wasted. It is an active engagement with God’s Word and with one another. Just as Israel wandered in the wilderness, we are on a journey that requires patience, trust, and faith.

As we continue to wrestle with the ordination question, let us remember that we are already united in Christ. Those on both sides of the debate are not enemies, but brothers and sisters in Christ. Our unity is a gift from God, rooted in our shared faith, and it must be nurtured, especially in times of disagreement.

No matter the outcome of the vote at General Synod, we will need to practice patience and careful listening. The journey will not end with yet another vote. No matter the outcome, we must continue walking together in humility and grace.

In this critical moment, I urge us to slow down, listen, and wait with hope, trusting that God is with us on this journey. He walks alongside us, intimately involved in every step we take together. He loves us. He cares for us. He is with us.

Prayerfully and Faithfully,

Mark Vainikka
Bishop, LCAQD