Hi- I have been on vacation for nearly 2 weeks and haven't really gotten to read through this whole thread until now. I really like what Pilgrim said here to George:

Quote
You commented:
As with just about everything, there always seems to be two sides, even amongst those who claim to know the original languages.
(quote from Pilgrim)Yes indeed, there can be found those who disagree on any and every subject. However, what we are discussing here is what GOD has revealed and HIS truth concerning the role of women in the Church. Thus, despite the fact that there are those who disagree, the fact remains that only one of them is correct. The other is in violation of what God has decreed.
[/quote]

Some of the things George has brought up seems to be the same things I am hearing from my church. The quote from our church's position that I put in the original post is from a 2-3 page paper that shows the suppposed 2 positions of women in ministry (one of which is not ok to have women in leadership/teaching men in church and the other not ok). It's so clear to me that there simply aren't 2 positions on this issue and that it's one way or the other. It either has to be right or wrong with having women be elder and teach adult Sunday School and preach up front.

The questions George raised are the same things I've heard when I've discussed this issue with my husband - ie. Why was Deborah allowed to Judge?, living the "letter of the law" with the more conservative view, why were women allowed to phrophesy?, and bringing up the Galatians passage.

If anyone is interested, these articles are helpful with trying to clarify the issues:

http://www.svchapel.org/Resources/articles/read_articles.asp?id=73
http://www.svchapel.org/Resources/articles/read_articles.asp?id=74
http://www.svchapel.org/Resources/articles/read_articles.asp?id=75