Biblical Equality

My daughter Naomi begins an internship today at the Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE). Should be interesting.

CBE Mission and History

CBE is a nonprofit organization of Christian men and women who believe that the Bible, properly interpreted, teaches the fundamental equality of men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, all economic classes, and all age groups, based on the teachings of Scriptures such as Galatians 3:28:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (TNIV).

CBE Mission Statement

CBE equips believers by affirming the biblical truth about equality and justice. Thus all believers, without regard to gender, ethnicity, and class, are free and encouraged to use their God-given gifts in families, ministries, and communities.

CBE Core Values

1. We believe the Bible teaches the equality of women and men.
2. We believe God has given each person gifts to be used for the good of Christ's kingdom.
3. We believe Christians are to develop and exercise their God-given gifts in home, church, and society.
4. We believe the Bible teaches that Christians are to oppose injustice.

CBE Core Purpose

To communicate broadly the biblical truth that men and women are equally responsible to act justly and use their God-given gifts to further Christ's kingdom.

CBE Envisioned Future

CBE envisions a future where all believers will be encouraged to exercise their gifts for God's glory and missional purposes, with the full support of the Christian community.

History of CBE

Disturbed by the shallow biblical premise used by organizations and mission groups to exclude the gifts of women, evangelical leaders assembled in 1987 to publish their biblical perspective in a new scholarly journal, Priscilla Papers. Included in the group were Gilbert Bilezikian, W. Ward Gasque, Stanley Gundry, Gretchen Gaebelein Hull, Catherine Clark Kroeger, Jo Anne Lyon, and Roger Nicole. The group determined that a national organization was needed to provide education, support, and leadership about biblical equality.

With the help and vision of these individuals, Christians for Biblical Equality was established on January 2, 1988. Catherine Clark Kroeger served as the first president of the organization, and Alvera Mickelsen served as the first chair of the board of directors. Since 2001, Mimi Haddad has served as CBE’s second president.

CBE’s first major project was the creation of a statement, "Men, Women, and Biblical Equality," which laid out the biblical rationale for equality as well as its application in the community of believers and the family. CBE hosted its first international conference in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in July of 1989.

CBE has grown to include members from over 100 denominations and 65 countries. It conducts annual, international conferences; publishes three award-winning publications, a blog, and a weekly e-newsletter; and hosts an online bookstore devoted to reviewing and promoting resources on gender and the Bible from an egalitarian perspective.

Added Monday, Sep. 14: Sign up for the e-newsletter at http://www.cbeinternational.org/?q=content/arise-e-newsletter

What do you think? Please comment! Let's keep the conversation going.

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