Pastoral Letter from Mark Vainikka, Bishop LCAQD
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
PASTORAL LETTER FROM BISHOP MARK
‘Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep’ (Rom. 12:15). In the wake of the Synod’s decision to allow the ordination of both men and women in the LCANZ, I believe these words from St Paul hold deep significance for us as a church family. This decision has touched each of us in unique ways—bringing joy and hope for some while others feel a sense of sorrow and loss. We must hold space for both responses as we stand together at this pivotal moment.
For many, this decision marks a meaningful step forward, an answer to years of prayer and reflection, and a source of hope for what lies ahead in our shared journey. For those who are rejoicing, your joy is real, and it is worthy of being expressed fully and freely. You should not feel guilty about your joy. Yet even for those filled with joy, there may also be a sense of grief for the long years of waiting and for those whose internal call to ordained ministry remained unfulfilled during the extended period of debate.
At the same time, many are experiencing this decision as a departure from what they believe Scripture teaches. Their grief and sadness is real, and their desire to remain faithful to their understanding of Scripture is commendable and laudable. You should not feel guilty about your feelings of grief and sadness.
This is a significant moment for all of us, and we are right to acknowledge the complexity of emotions surrounding it. We are a family in Christ, and in any family, there are times when some are laughing while others are crying. This is such a moment, and it is okay to feel deeply in either direction.
What binds us together is not the outcome of any vote, but the love of Christ, which makes us one. In Ephesians 4:3, we are urged to ‘make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.’ This unity is not based on uniformity of thought but on the unshakable foundation of our shared faith in Christ. He alone holds us together when we differ, and he alone is the source of true reconciliation and healing.
Christ understands both the joy and the pain we feel today, and he invites us to bring all of it to him. Whether you are celebrating with hope or grieving with a heavy heart, Christ is with you, holding your emotions with care and compassion. We are not alone in this; we walk together, trusting his grace to lead us forward.
As we move forward, I encourage all to approach one another with the same gentleness and calmness evident at the General Pastors’ Conference and the Convention of General Synod. Let us make space for both laughter and tears, recognising that this moment holds deep significance for different people in different ways. Our task now is to support one another in love, to listen deeply, and to honour the feelings of those around us. We are one body, called to walk together, whether the path feels difficult or light.
In this moment of transition, let us remain rooted in our hope in Christ. Our unity is his gift to us; through him, we find the strength to keep journeying together, no matter where we stand on this particular issue. The road ahead may not always be easy, but we can trust that Christ is with us, guiding our steps and sustaining us with his peace.
This resolution is a landmark moment for the Church, opening the office of public ministry to all suitable candidates, regardless of gender, and affirming the full participation of women in the life of the Church. It will naturally shape how we see ourselves and how others see us. This way forward provides a path for us to continue together as one Church for the sake of the gospel. While it offers hope for the future for many, we also acknowledge that it may be a challenging journey for some.
Whether you find yourself rejoicing or weeping today, know that your voice and your heart matter. We belong to one another in Christ, and it is in him that we find our true unity.
Your fellow servant,
Bishop Mark
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