Passage of "Deaconness" Recommendation

In an historic decision, the 94th International General Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy passed a recommendation to broaden the office of deacon to include the ordination of women.

The final recommendation by the Church's Biblical Doctrine and Polity (BD&P) Committee said:"Given there is Scriptural evidence that supports having female deacons, called 'deaconesses,' we recommend women who qualify as 'deaconesses' be set forth by the local church in the same manner and according to the same requirements as their male counterparts."

"I am thrilled to see our church organization working in cooperation with the Holy Spirit to position people, male or female, to do the work that God has called them to," said Cathy Payne, International Women's Ministries Director for the organization. Payne will address the Assembly delegates tonight.The recommendation, in its entirety may be accessed to download by visiting http://www.cogop.org/ and select "BD&P."