ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Saturday, August 3, 1996               TAG: 9608050004
SECTION: RELIGION                 PAGE: A5   EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: LOUISVILLE, KY. 
SOURCE: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS 

WOMEN'S MINISTERIAL DUTIES EXPANDED

The 89th General Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy recently approved expanded ministries for women.

While the church previously had recognized women pastors, their authority to perform certain ministerial functions had been limited.

The membership voted this month to allow women pastors to perform marriages, administer Communion, baptize converts and administer the covenant for new membership.

Women also were given full and equal voice in local and general business conference. Previously, only the male membership had an official voice in the various business sessions of the church.

The membership did not approve, however, a female minister's authority to serve as an ordained elder.

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