Editor’s Introduction
At BUC News, we welcome thoughtful reflections that explore relevant issues shaping faith, society, and leadership. In this article, Dr Jude Jeanville offers a personal reflection on women in leadership – drawing lessons from the Church of England’s appointment of its first female archbishop and its broader implications for all faith communities, including our own. The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent the official position of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but they invite prayerful reflection on what it means to affirm the calling of every believer in Christ.
The Church and Women: Gender, Culture, Scripture, and Leadership
Can the Seventh-day Adventist Church learn from the Church of England?
By Dr Jude Jeanville
“The call to affirm women in leadership – is it rebellion against Scripture or obedience to it?”
When the Church of England elected its first female archbishop, Dame Sarah Mullally, it did so amid intense discussion and opposition – particularly from parts of the Anglican community across Africa and Asia. Yet, despite resistance, the Church took a courageous stand grounded in Scripture, affirming that God’s call to leadership is not confined by gender.
This historic moment invites reflection within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Our theology already upholds the equality and dignity of all people. The Church’s 14th Fundamental Belief declares:
“The church is one body with many members… In Christ we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, nationality, and differences between high and low, rich and poor, male and female, must not be divisive among us. We are all equal in Christ… we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation.”
Likewise, the General Conference’s One Humanity Statement reaffirms: “We believe in the God-given and immutable equality of all persons in all times, all places, and all circumstances… Distinctions of race, ethnicity, caste, and tribe are used to sinfully segment and divide the fundamental unity God intended.”
These are not merely organisational ideals; they are rooted in Scripture and reflect Christ’s teaching that all are one in Him (Galatians 3:28). Yet, even as we affirm equality in belief, practice often falls short. With 882 presidents worldwide and none female, and a ministry that remains overwhelmingly male despite a membership that is majority female, cultural and traditional influences often speak louder than Scripture.
Throughout the Bible, women are affirmed as leaders and agents of divine purpose. Deborah led Israel for 40 years. Huldah counselled kings. Ten female prophets are named in Scripture. The early Christian Church was shaped by women like Phoebe, Priscilla, and Mary Magdalene – the first witness to the risen Christ. Closer to home, the Seventh-day Adventist movement itself was founded and nurtured by a woman – Ellen G White – whose prophetic voice continues to guide us today.
The Myth of Male-Only Leadership
The belief that leadership is a male prerogative often stems from the Old Testament’s all-male priesthood. But that system was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our eternal High Priest (Hebrews 8–10). When Christ offered Himself for all, He opened the priesthood to every believer.
“You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6).
“You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9).
The “priesthood of all believers” leaves no room for gender barriers in ministry. Revelation 1:6 declares that Christ “has made us kings and priests unto God.” The New Testament also shows that women were disciples and proclaimers of the gospel – Tabitha (Dorcas) is explicitly called a disciple (Acts 9:36), and women were the first to announce the resurrection.
Joel 2:28 promises: “I will pour out my Spirit on all people; your sons and daughters will prophesy.” The Holy Spirit makes no gender distinction in the bestowal of gifts or calling. If heaven does not discriminate, should the church on earth?
Counsel from the Spirit of Prophecy
Ellen G White offers clear guidance on this issue:
“You are to do your duty to the women who labour in the gospel… The cause would suffer great loss without this kind of labour” (Manuscript Release 56).
“It is the accompaniment of the Holy Spirit of God that prepares workers, both men and women, to become pastors to the flock of God” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 322).
“Seventh-day Adventists are not in any way to belittle woman’s work” (Manuscript Release 959).
Hostility to women in leadership often arises not from Scripture, but from tradition, fear, or misunderstanding. Yet Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy consistently affirm women as partners in gospel ministry.
The Church of England’s example is not a call to imitate its structure, but an invitation to reflect on our own practice. Courageous, biblically-grounded leadership sometimes means standing where truth leads, even when it is unpopular.
The call to affirm women’s leadership is not rebellion against Scripture – it is obedience to it.
“‘Not by might nor by power [or gender], but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
About the Author:
Dr Jude Jeanville is pastor of the Tottenham Lighthouse and Barnet Seventh-day Adventist churches and author of Justice for Women: The Cry to End the Pandemic of Discrimination, Intimidation, Misogyny, Abuse, and Violence Against Women in Society and Religious Communities. Available on Amazon. https://amzn.eu/d/5OCYo5Z