An investigation into the phenomena and practices of spiritual ...

many sections of society. It also so happens that the leaders that Tutu refers to, l just as theCOGIC leaders discussed by Thomas-Juggan (2000), are all men. Women‟s ministry,where it occurs, is seen as a kind of exception to the rule.Many churches will not ordain women as ministers and this continues to be controversialsubject. In COGIC women are not ordained as elders or pastors. They are, however,ordained as missionaries, evangelists and deacons. The titles are not easily explainable nordo they have a clear rationale. Women normally do not serve the Lord‟s Supper. As in allother sections of society, women take responsibility for the daily organizational activitiespartly because they are in a majority. There are appointed persons who can invite speakersoutside the church to preach, teach and heal. A recommendation must first go to the Pastorwho has the authority to make a decision to take the recommendation to the churchcommittee. These appointed persons may also have the authority to decide on mattersrelating to the Missionary Sunday, the day when the missionaries (ladies) conduct theservice or the Youth Sunday, the day when the youth leader conduct the service. These areon a set day in the month, such as the first Sunday or third Sunday.Allowing women ministers in URC to serve Communion is left to the decision of the localleadership as there is no clause in the policy for the ordination of ministers (URC GeneralAssembly, 1982) that excludes women. Women, though still in a minority, represent thechurch at all levels of the organisational functions and duties. These include wider churchmeetings such as Regional Church Council, Synod, Mission Council or General Assembly.Councils meet quarterly, Synods meet twice yearly and the General Assembly meetsannually.176