Will the Doppers uphold Biblical Patriarchy or not?

The Reformed Churches of South Africa (GKSA), commonly known as the Doppers, have long upheld the historic Christian position that the role of elders is reserved for men. This stance differs from the NG Kerk (Dutch Reformed Church), which takes a more liberal approach to Biblical patriarchy.

At its general synod, which began on 5 January 2026, the GKSA addressed congregations that had independently appointed women as elders. Official documents and a media statement confirm that churches which do not comply with the synod’s decisions risk effectively removing themselves from the GKSA federation. Congregations have been given a year to reverse these appointments.

The debate is centred in the denomination’s interpretation of 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 and 1 Timothy 2:11–14, which the synod says prohibits women from teaching or exercising authority over men in the church. Church leaders describe the situation as potentially leading to schism, acknowledging the challenges this brings.

Some congregations, however, have continued to appoint women despite repeated synod rulings. The GKSA’s current stance is intended to enforce uniformity across its churches while appealing to members to respect Scripture and synod decisions. Observers note that the coming year will be critical in determining whether the denomination can maintain internal cohesion or faces a lasting split over this issue.

On the issue of women’s leadership in the Church it’s worth noting that Jesus appointed twelve men as his apostles, even though he could have appointed women. Being God the Son in human form Jesus was not bound by human tradition or rules. Therefore, if he intended women to serve as apostles, he would have done so.

The Catholic Church has clearly stated that “the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the Church’s faithful.” Not only does Church history show the position of Biblical patriarchy, but the Bible itself also affirms it in New Testament passages such as 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 and 1 Timothy 2:12.

While the Church of Jesus is patriarchal, biblical patriarchy is not what many imagine when they hear the word “patriarchy.” Jesus taught that true leadership is service. Men are to lay down their lives, even to death, to protect and serve their wives (and women in general), children, and others. Husbands are instructed to lead their wives as their “head” (Ephesians 5:22–25), showing gentleness and loving them as Christ loved the Church.

The Christian Church is a patriarchy, but a patriarchal order that is lived out very differently from the patriarchies of this world. The selfless sacrifice of the God-man Jesus, who is the head of the Church his body, is proof of this.