Tanya Farber
SHE was denied ordination by the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) because she was in a lesbian relationship.
Now the University of Stellenbosch theology graduate says she is seeking legal advice because she believes the church acted in an unconstitutional manner. Yet she has no intention of leaving the DRC.
“Their decision is regrettable because first, it does not reflect human reality – even in biblical terms. It is furthermore degrading of me as a human being and all other gay people as the creation of God,” she said.
“And third, it is fundamentally unconstitutional.”
Lulani Vermeulen, undertook the requirements for a DRC licentiate, but was later told she could not be ordained as a minister unless she signed an agreement stipulating that she would not engage in a lesbian relationship.
She said that such discrimination “goes against the very inner being of a person” and was “fundamentally unfair”.
A role model for other committed Christians who faced prejudice because of their sexual orientation, Vermeulen said the church was at all times acutely aware that her intention was to become a reverend, and that she had not tried to live a lie about who she was.
“I am what I am as created by God.
“I do not try to pretend anything different, as it is a lie and contrary to the word of God.”
Vermeulen said the church’s decision was “a relatively unexpected surprise in the wake of all the facts”. If the DRC saw fit to overturn its decision, she would find herself in the position for which she had studied and which she was committed to acheving.
“I dearly intend to be a minister in the DRC and that is my only consideration,” she said.
“That is what the church refused me, and if this is to be restored, I would then have fulfilled my life ideal and dream and will certainly remain with the church.
“Let me make it very clear, as matters stand now and for the moment, I have no reason to leave the church and I have no intention to do so. My statements are clear in this regard.”
Stellenbosch University has also come out in support of Vermeulen.
Its spokeswoman, Susan van der Merwe, said the university was opposed to “any form of discrimination”.
“It contradicts the institution’s values,” she said.
“The university will continue to engage in discussions with all our partners, including the Dutch Reformed Church, on matters of public interest through our faculty of theology.”
Van der Merwe said the university was going to request that the matter be placed on the agenda of the Ecclesiastical Liaison Council.
But Coenie Berger, the head of the Western Cape Synod of the DRC, said the church’s stance remained unchanged at this point.
“Like all other churches, we have to follow the rules of who can be allowed in the ministry, and in our rules it says gay relationships are not allowed,” he said.
The Reverend Judith Kotze, director of operations at Inclusive and Affirming Ministries, has urged the DRC to keep the doors of communication open. She said her organisation encouraged mainstream faith communities to become more inclusive.