PCA Elders Restricting Intern Interactions With Women
The practice of elders restricting interactions between male interns and women within the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) is a contemporary application of broader principles concerning modesty, avoiding temptation, and maintaining a good witness. While the specific regulations vary by presbytery or local church, the underlying concerns often draw from interpretations of biblical wisdom literature and broader theological traditions that emphasize prudence in male-female interactions outside of marriage.
In Jewish tradition, extensive discussions exist regarding yichud, or seclusion, between men and women who are not married to each other. The Mishneh Torah, for instance, outlines various categories of forbidden relationships, some of which are Rabbinic in origin, known as shniyot [1]. The concern for avoiding situations that could lead to sin is evident in these discussions. For example, it is generally forbidden for a man and a woman to be secluded together if they are fit for sexual relations [2]. However, exceptions and nuances exist; for instance, a man may be secluded with a woman and a young girl who understands the nature of sexual intercourse but is not yet old enough to submit to it, as the girl's presence is seen as a deterrent [5, 6]. Similarly, seclusion with two women who are rivals or dislike each other (e.g., two sisters-in-law, a woman and her mother-in-law) is permitted because their mutual distrust is expected to prevent impropriety [5, 6]. The Talmud also distinguishes between types of conversation, permitting discussion about sexual intercourse in certain contexts while restricting other non-sexual conversations [3]. These detailed regulations highlight a long-standing concern within religious communities to manage interactions between genders to prevent sin and scandal.
While the PCA does not directly adopt these specific Talmudic rulings, the underlying principle of guarding against temptation and maintaining propriety resonates. Elders, in their role as spiritual overseers, are tasked with the spiritual well-being and reputation of the church and its members [4]. This often extends to guiding those in ministry training, such as interns, in practices that uphold a high standard of conduct. Restrictions on intern interactions with women might include policies against one-on-one meetings behind closed doors, requiring a third party to be present, or setting clear boundaries for communication outside of professional contexts. Such policies are often framed as protective measures for both the intern and the women involved, aiming to prevent misunderstandings, false accusations, and actual moral failures.
The rationale for such restrictions often stems from a desire to adhere to biblical admonitions regarding purity and avoiding even the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). For those in ministerial leadership, the standard of conduct is often perceived as higher, given their public role and the trust placed in them by the congregation. The goal is not necessarily to imply distrust but to create an environment that minimizes risk and upholds integrity. These guidelines are often part of broader ministerial ethics that emphasize accountability and transparency in all aspects of a leader's life.
Sources
- Mishneh Torah (Maimonides) (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Mishneh Torah (Maimonides), Mishneh Torah%2C Marriage 1:6: There are other women with whom relations are forbidden according to the Oral Tradition; these prohibitions are Rabbinic in origin. These women are called shniyot (prohibitions of a secondary nature). There are twenty such women, including: a) one's maternal grandmother; this prohibition continues upward without interruption: a person's maternal grandmother's maternal grandmother - and also those further removed - are also forbidden; b) the mother of a person's maternal grandfather; this prohibition applies to her alone [and not her fo”
- Mishneh Torah (Maimonides) (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Mishneh Torah (Maimonides), Mishneh Torah%2C Forbidden Intercourse 22:10: It is permitted to enter into privacy with a female child less than three years old and a male child less than nine years old. For [our Sages] only issued decrees concerning entering into privacy with a woman fit to engage in relations and a male fit to engage in relations. 23 And this does not apply below the ages mentioned in the halachah.”
- Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Nedarim 183a.40:3: The Gemara answers: This is not difficult. This permission to converse with her is with regard to matters of sexual intercourse, whereas that restriction of conversation is with regard to other matters that are not related to sexual intercourse.”
- Lamentations (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Lamentations 5:14: The elders have ceased from the gate - There is now no more justice administered to the people; they are under military law, or disposed of in every sense according to the caprice of their masters.”
- Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Kiddushin 81b.12: Rava says: A man may be secluded with two sisters-in-law and with two rival wives, i.e., two women who share a husband; with a woman and her mother-in-law; and with a woman and her husband’s daughter. Since these women typically dislike each other, each fears that the other will publicize her sins, and they will be careful not to transgress. Similarly, a man may be secluded with a woman and a girl who knows the meaning of sexual intercourse, i.e., one who is old enough to understand the nature of intercourse, but is still young enough that she does not subm”
- Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Kiddushin 165a.162:12: Rava says: A man may be secluded with two sisters-in-law and with two rival wives, i.e., two women who share a husband; with a woman and her mother-in-law; and with a woman and her husband’s daughter. Since these women typically dislike each other, each fears that the other will publicize her sins, and they will be careful not to transgress. Similarly, a man may be secluded with a woman and a girl who knows the meaning of sexual intercourse, i.e., one who is old enough to understand the nature of intercourse, but is still young enough that she does not”