Gender-Related Inclusionary and Exclusionary Practices within Evangelical Churches in the Netherlands

Abstract

Inclusive and exclusive practices are part of innovation and changes in religious organizations like churches. In this contribution two cases of change in leadership roles related to gender balance are analysed and discussed. The dynamics of inclusion and exclusion are explored and interpreted through the lens of a social identity approach and related to the change in authority. Data show that the shift in Bible interpretation on female leadership, as well as the practice of including women in a previously male domain, affected the perception of the church’s social and religious identity. In some cases this resulted in leaving the church due to the authority shift, which can be perceived as a form of apostasy.

Gospel Truth in Gender Diversity Debates in Dutch Evangelical Churches

“…Although a previous change of leadership structure had taken the elders out of the decision-making process, most focus group participants were satisfied with the mode of sharing information, though not all felt included. 46 The conversations revealed several painful stories when women, despite being the wife of an elder, were not allowed to perform sacramental acts, as in the case of a woman who requested the wife of an elder to baptize her rather than a man because of past trauma. But this was not possible since she was not ordained as an elder.47 The sensitivity of the matter was also illustrated by a recently ordained female elder who stressed 'I was ordained as an elder, on the podium, so I have a full right to be here now' , indicating that some of the elders' wives themselves were earlier dissatisfied with their supportive roles.…”