Campolo: Opposition to women preachers evidence of demonic influence

by Gregory Tomlin                                                                                     Vol. XVI, No. 7, August 2003

Anyone who resists the notion of women preachers is functioning as a tool of the devil, Tony Campolo, founder and president of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education, said during the opening session of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship's general assembly June 26. A sociologist by training, Campolo said that one of the primary reasons the CBF exists is because "another group" said it would not endorse the idea that women can serve as pastors. He characterized that statement as "about as evil a statement as one can make."

"It's one thing to be wrong, but that isn't wrong, that's sinful. The Bible says, 'neglect not the gift that is in you,' and when women are gifted with the gift of preaching, anybody who frustrates that gift is an instrument of the devil," Campolo said.

Campolo encouraged the CBF to continue combating the sexism of those whom he said, "change the Bible to fit their theology." He also said that the other group, still anonymous, had an improper attitude about homosexuals. Any doubt that Campolo was targeting the Southern Baptist Convention dissolved when he said that some have "drawn the line" and said they would "fight out" the issue of homosexuality.

In a statement to Baptist Press, Morris H. Chapman, president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee reproved Campolo for his strident remarks against Southern Baptists and their beliefs.

"I read with regret the unwarranted and unnecessary remarks of Tony Campolo. For some time now, those in evangelical circles have observed with sadness his drift from biblical authority.

"Tony Campolo is known for bombast and overstatement, but I think this may be a new low for him. His remarks are unbecoming of one wishing to be recognized as a Christian spokesman. Pugnacity should not be mistaken for the prophetic spirit.

    Chapman specifically addressed Campolo's characterization as "sinful" what Southern Baptists believe about the role of pastor.

"The intemperance and unkindness of his tone pale in comparison to the gravity of his characterization as "evil" and "sinful" those who take what they believe to be a biblical position on the issue of female pastors. I presume that to his mind, the majority of Christians of all ages, who have held to the teaching of the Scripture on this topic, is evil as well. Southern Baptists have plainly stated what we believe New Testament teaching on the issue to be. For that, we have no apologies to offer Mr. Campolo."

Chapman also remarked on Campolo's objection to Southern Baptists' position on homosexuality. "We believe we will have miserably failed those entrapped by homosexuality if we are unfaithful either in biblical witness or compassionate ministry to those with same sex attractions. As important as the struggle for dignity is, it is even more important that we live under the Lordship of Christ and the authority of the Scripture, and teach others to do so.

Stating that Scripture says that homosexual activity is an abomination to the Lord, Chapman added, "That is an extremely serious statement, and cute quips cannot substitute for serious thought in dealing with it.

"We do take the injunctions against homosexual behavior seriously, but we also strenuously believe that God shows His mercy and grace to all who repent, and that homosexual persons, like all sinners, are candidates for the forgiveness, grace, and cleansing of the Lord when they turn to Him from their sin. We also deeply believe that we are responsible to treat all others with kindness, and that hatred of anyone is forbidden. [BP]