North American Division Response to GC Session Vote on Women's Ordination

The North American Division (NAD) of Seventh-day Adventists acknowledges the vote that took place earlier today at the 60th General Conference Session, not allowing for regional accommodation of those world regions asking to allow for the ordination of women. After much prayerful study and discussion, the delegates voted 1381-977 to not pass the motion on the session floor.

By the Communication Department of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists

The leadership of the NAD is saddened by this vote, but respects the decision of the world body in session and we are committed to continual cooperation and fellowship with the world church. While todays vote does not allow for each division of the church to ordain women to gospel ministry, we will continue to follow General Conference policy by commissioning women pastors, and ordaining women elders and deaconesses.

Many individuals in the NAD have weighed in on the conversation preceding this vote, and some of these conversations have become emotionally charged. NAD President Daniel Jackson shared his desire for the division after the vote. “We ask our members to focus their energies on the one thing we can agree with, the mission of the church. God has called all of us to serve Him in ministry, whether we are recognized by the church or not. The NAD recognizes that every person no matter his or her race, age or gender has a vital role to play in sharing the gospel message with the world. Let us be united as a family that is bound by the love and grace of Jesus Christ. While we may disagree on various approaches to ministry, let us all agree on the need to reach all people with the message of hope and wholeness, and a new life in Jesus. We will continue with our intention of placing as many women into pastoral ministry as possible. We affirm the important role they play in reaching all of God’s children. We ask that all members of the Adventist Church keep praying for God’s guidance as we move forward in mission.”

Want more of the details, stories and photos we gathered at the 60th General Conference Session in San Antonio? See the stories below for our full coverage of the 12-day gathering of our worldwide Seventh-day Adventist family.

General Conference Stories

• Adventists in San Antonio Attempt to Break Haystack World Record
• Adventist Visitors a Mixed Blessing to San Antonio Restaurants
• Clarification of the Roles of Women in Ministry
• Daniel R. Jackson Reelected as North American Division President
• GC Delegates Approve Landmark Update of Fundamental Beliefs
• GC Delegates Drop E-Vote
• GC Delegates Vote 'No' on Issue of Women's Ordination
• General Conference Session Events to Check Out
• Get More detailed Updates on Business Sessions
• How do we Chose Delegates?
• North American Division Response to GC Session Vote on Women’s Ordination
• Photos: Columbia Union Conference Members Attend GC Session
• Read the General Conference President's Report
• San Antonio Eagerly Welcomes 65,000 Adventists
• San Antonio Mayor Grateful for GC Session and Steps to Christ
• Seven GC Officers Elected
• Six Newcomers Among 13 Division Presidents
• Ted Wilson Reelected as General Conference President
• The North American Divisions New Reality
• What You Need to Know About the General Conference Session
• Watch a Livestream of the Women's Ordination Debate
• Watch Some of the General Conference Session Live
• Watch the North American Division President's Report
• Who are the Columbia Union Delegates?