For those of you active in the United Church, you'll know a bit about Remit 6. Almost three years ago, a motion was passed that would make the three streams of ministry in the United Church - ordained, diaconal, and designated lay - into one. All would be ordained. This motion, before it could go into effect, had to be approved by a majority of presbyteries and congregations. We found out this week that the motion was defeated. (Presbyteries voted 26 yes and 50 no. Congregations voted 713 yes and 950 no.)
Whenever I engage in conversation on this remit, I am amazed how many different opinions exist on this one remit. For that reason alone, I am glad it wasn't passed. Some voted against the remit, because they didn't feel it honoured the diversity of ministries. They felt it was a way of honouring ordained ministry, which is seen as the norm, while dishonouring the identity and value of diaconal and designated lay ministries. Still others felt that diaconal and designated lay ministers don't get the respect they deserve and so a remit like this would help with that. It would give diaconal and designated lay ministers equal recognition in congregations and make it easier for them to offer the sacraments in a variety of settings and more access to ecumenical jobs where only ordained ministry is recognized.
There were some who voted no though because they believe ordained ministers to be set apart and more highly educated. Ordained ministers are required to have a master's of divinity (MDiv). The United Church values a highly educated clergy and some don't believe that the education of diaconal and designated lay ministers fall into this category. Although the remit did call for some action on more master's level education for designated lay ministers, it didn't seem to be enough. I heard from many that some of these conversations were hurtful and seemed to devalue the education of some and presume that they were less worthy in their ministry role because they didn't have an MDiv.
Many agree that this remit was created to make is easier for the church to define and recognize paid-accountable ministers. There is a lot of confusion, among lay people and those in ministry, when it comes to defining these three streams of ministry. Only 7% of ministry in the UCC is diaconal and I believe the number of designated lay ministers is similar. People are most familiar with ordained ministry, both inside and outside of the church. I admit it can be exhausting always trying to explain the differences, usually over and over again to the same people and in the same context.
As a diaconal minister, I admit to having mixed feelings about the defeat of this remit. In some ways, it would have made life easier. I wouldn't have to fight for permission to do sacraments. I wouldn't see job postings seeking only ordained ministers. People wouldn't constantly question my credentials and my ability to do fill the role as minister.
But I also have a fear of losing this distinction. Being a diaconal minister is important to me. I initially chose the route of diaconal ministry because I felt drawn to being a Christian educator and also didn't feel I was a person of the Word; I didn't feel I was a preacher. That has changed. I have discovered that I love to lead worship and that preaching is a strong component of that. In my training to become a diaconal minister though, I learned that diaconal ministry is an identity, not just a function. For me, diaconal ministry values community, social justice, advocacy and being an ally, valuing and honouring everyone's story, and honouring and valuing my own story. It's about meeting in a circle and checking in with one another. It's about recognizing and saying hard truths, but valuing other people's truths. Although it can be difficult to have people misunderstand and devalue my status as a diaconal minister and although I may have to explain myself over and over again, I value my identity as a diaconal minister too much to see it be subsumed as a part of the larger umbrella and norm of ordained ministry.
The diaconal community gathers in a number of ways. Nationally, we try to meet every two years. We are meeting in Winnipeg next month, in April, and I am highly anticipating it. Each time we gather, I am enriched, inspired, and I am fed. There is nothing like it.
I know at this gathering that there will be some disappointed at the defeat of Remit 6 and some who will be rejoicing. We are one community of people who are diaconal, but we are all very diverse, which is how I see all ministry in the church. We are a community of ministers, with similar values and functions, but we are also very rich in diversity, each with a different story. We are not all the same and our expressions of ministry are distinct and varied. I hope that someday this is seen as a gift and not something to be fixed.
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