Missio Alliance has, since its inception, been a platform that champions women ministering with full authority1 at all levels of the church. Male domination, and the toxic patriarchal systems that undergird it within the Church and in relationships, is contrary to God’s created design for marriage and ecclesial life. Any forms of theology that propagate male domination are detestable and dangerous.
Thus, Missio Alliance stands strongly against the type of content and theological reflection published earlier this week at The Gospel Coalition. Our commitment to comprehensive mutuality and our understanding of the unity of the Body of Christ compels us to lovingly confront harmful theology and practice. As always, we remain committed to advancing the partnered voice and co-equal leadership of women and men among the beautiful diversity of the body of Christ.
Lisa Rodriguez-Watson
National Director, Missio Alliance
P.S. One of our Leading Voices, Carolyn Custis James, wrote extensively about the toxic theological systems undergirding issues of patriarchy and power. Please read her piece, Disarming Patriarchy, for more insight into our convictions.
Footnote
1. Under the section ‘Cultural Issues‘ on the page of our website entitled “The Focus of Our Work,” we concisely ask and answer our position on the full authority of women in positions of leadership, authority, inclusion, and all forms of ministry within the Church. We wrote, “What does it mean to say women are full participants in the ministry of the church alongside men? We seek to understand the New Testament elevation of women to full authority in the church.” Our conviction today not only remains the same, but is growing stronger.