25 November 2024 |Oslo, Norway [Norwegian Union Communication Department]
Each year the Association of Adventist Women (AAW) recognises the work and ministry of exceptional women ministering in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In addition, AAW presents the prestigious “Champion of Justice” award to a man who has actively promoted justice and equity in the Adventist Church. At its award ceremony and banquet at Loma Linda University Church in October 2024, the Champion of Justice award was presented to Pastor Victor Marley, President of the Norwegian Union, who received the award on behalf of the Norwegian Union.
The Norwegian Union is one of 4 unions in the Trans-European Division (TED) to have taken a stand in the church’s international debate on women and ordination. Together with the Swedish and Danish unions, the Norwegian Union has suspended ordination for both men and women until a way is found to recognize women on equal terms with men in pastoral ministry.
In his keynote speech to the AAW, Marley was quick to point out that the Norwegian Union’s progress and actions were due to a team effort inspired by the women who have bravely and sacrificially followed their call to ministry despite opposition and injustice.
Marley also paid tribute to Finn Eckhoff and Reidar Kvinge, who led the church in Norway through the turbulent times and aftermath of the 2015 GC session vote. Without Eckhoff’s knowledge of policy and diligent work with the Biblical basis of equality in ministry, progress would not have been possible.
Marley’s central message was that there is still more to be done, even in places where progress has been made because women have a vital role to play in the church’s mission. Local unions and conferences need to address pastoral recruitment of both men and women. This is weak in many Western European lands and without recruitment of young women into pastoral ministry, there will never be enough women in leadership. There is also work to do to encourage relational and family-friendly ministry and to adjust policy to be inclusive of women, not only in words but also in spirit.
The Association of Adventist Women is an organization that seeks to support, encourage, and promote the role of women in ministry and church leadership. Each year, outstanding Adventist women are recognized. Elisabeth Talbot was presented with the Women of the Year award. Talbot is the founder and director of the Jesus101 Biblical Institute, a teaching and training media ministry of the North American Division.
Talbot was the main speaker of the vespers and spoke of her journey to ministry by reflecting on Psalm 23 and how God leads through all circumstances. Then it was the turn of three other pastoral women to share their journeys in an inspiring panel conversation including Gry Beate Marley, Youth Director of the Norwegian Union. Gry told of her story of how God called her to faith, as a first-generation Adventist, whilst at the Norwegian Junior College. From there she followed God’s call to Newbold College and into ministry where God’s Spirit has placed love on her heart for all people, but especially young people and children.
Several other women were also honoured. Their faithfulness in service and ministry is celebrated through the Junia Awards, given to a woman from each world division. From TED Joanna Krupa-Roszak received the Junia award. Johanne is heavily involved in aiding women and children displaced by the war in Ukraine. She also supports women’s involvement in church life and wants to help them believe in themselves. Together with her congregation, she is creating an inclusive church with a place for families and small children, along with those with special needs and disabilities.
Lydia Runic and Natasha Mihajlov serve as pastors in the South-East European Union Conference. While attending the European Pastor’s Council, they shared their stories and experiences as women serving in pastoral ministry with tedNEWS.
To learn more about AAW, visit their website.
[Featured image – Nerida Bates. From left to right: Nerida Bates, Rene Drumm, Elizabeth Talbot and Victor Marley., Photos: Tor Tjeransen and Jim Botha/AME (CC BY 4.0)].
