Rula Suleiman, first woman evangelical pastor in Lebanon & Middle East

In an unprecedented move in recognition of women’s rights, the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon officially appointed Rula Adel Suleiman as the first woman pastor thus breaking with the traditional preference for men in consecration for priesthood. Earlier in July, a decree of ordination of 42-year old Suleiman, who holds a degree in theology, was issued in response to a request she submitted to the Synod, to be put into effect on February 26. On the subject, Suleiman told An Nahar that she has a task to serve women, describing the decision by the Synod as an “avant-garde and bold step that paves the way for future women servants of the Church,” as she said. For his part, the secretary of the Committee on Church and Spiritual Affairs in the Synod, pastor doctor Hadi Ghantus, stressed that the Church cannot perform competently unless the woman is equivalent and on part with man. Rev. Ghantus hailed the appointment which substantiated the fact that decisions in accepting or refusing a woman be based solely on need, qualifications and priesthood service, disclosing the ordination on March 24 of another female pastor, preacher Najlaa Kassab. (An Nahar, February 25, 2017)