The issue of whether women should remain silent in church, or in traditional settings regarding leading Pe’e, and the Bible’s stance on slavery are contentious topics that have sparked debates for centuries including our own community this week, writes Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

Both topics have been subject to various interpretations, often leading to divergent views within religious communities depending on their differing traditions and stance. Some more liberal and some more conservative, but both taking the position that they are right.

Firstly, let us delve into the question of women’s silence in church. The controversy stems from passages found primarily in the New Testament, notably in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-12. In 1 Corinthians, Paul writes, “Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak but must be in submission, as the law says.” Similarly, in 1 Timothy, he states, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.”

Contextual and historical analysis is crucial in understanding these passages, as during the time of Paul’s writings, the early Christian communities faced societal challenges, very different from our own today and what meeting together meant in a post Synagogue and the separation of Jews and Gentiles setting. What is timeless however is the challenge of these verses’ applications. Do they fit, are they fit or do we dismiss them as archaic and of the time.

Furthermore, it is essential to consider Paul’s broader teachings on gender equality and the role of women in ministry. In Galatians 3:28, Paul writes, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”. Additionally, Paul commends several women in his letters for their contributions to the early church, showing clearly that women played active roles in ministry in this new church and its understanding of how they would function as a community.

Turning to the Bible’s approach to slavery, the issue is multifaceted and requires careful examination of both Old and New Testament teachings. Slavery was prevalent in the ancient world, and the Bible contains numerous references to it. In the Old Testament, regulations regarding slavery are outlined in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy.

These passages provide instructions for the treatment of slaves, emphasising fairness and compassion but never is its end or emancipation for slaves advocated – food for thought.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul addresses the institution of slavery in his letters. In Philemon, Paul writes to a slave owner, urging him to receive his runaway slave, Onesimus, as a brother in Christ but never asks him to be freed.

Though, the principles of freedom and liberation are central to the Christian faith and Jesus’ ministry prioritised the marginalised and oppressed, advocating for justice and liberation for all people, slavery remained legal until the 1800s and continues today underground with the global exploitation of men, women and children as prolific as it has ever been. As such, many Christians today view slavery as incompatible with the teachings of Jesus and wrestle with the historical context of Jesus’ time, culture and world he was born into. Of course, each group will say there is the truth and the only truth and all others are false, wrong or all of the above.

As for Pe’e, the Atiuan warrior leader and Chief Akatairi, was a woman who led our people into battle. Did she Pe’e? We do not know but as the leader into battle it is highly likely she did or could have. In Atiu, we have women Rangatira, women Ariki and women Members of Parliament. For the people of Atiu Enuamanu, the position on gender roles, function, and leadership is clear. However, each Enua will have its own traditions and protocols. So, be it church views on the role of women, slavery or cultural views on function, we each find our own way of doing and understanding this world and even that is challenged and changes over time. Can we agree however, that tradition is not fixed, it is always in a state of flux and moving – a moving that some will agree with and others will clearly say no.