By ALLISON WOOLLEY
allison@du2.byu.edu
Baptists announced a declaration on the family Tuesday during the Southern Baptist Convention that is stirring debate in Utah over one word -- 'submit.'
In Article 18 of the declaration, women are told to submit 'graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ.'
The word 'submit' itself is being interpreted with different connotations. Webster's Dictionary defines 'submit' as 'referring to others for decision or consideration.'
'This statement is a wonderful, clear, biblical statement in the context of a culture where family is disintegrating,' said Anthony Jordan, member of the Baptist Faith and Message Study Committee.
Local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have different views on the clarity of the declaration.
'I give my wife her freedom, and she gives me my freedom. We make decisions for our family together,' said Robert Remund, bishop of the BYU 141st ward in the LDS Church.
'I don't agree that a wife must submit to her husband. Women should respect their husband, but should be given the right to think too,' said Joan Remund, member of the LDS Church and Remund's wife.
Joan believes that husband and wife should work together.
'Our interests are different and yet we are one. Submit is the wrong word,' Joan said.
Mary Mohler, a member of the Baptist Faith and Message Study Committee, said that the confusion is surprising.
'It is purely biblical. Submit is not a bad word or a dirty word. It is a biblically correct word,' Mohler said. 'It does not imply a tyrant or a dictator.'
The 'covenant commitment for a lifetime' is between one man and one woman, the declaration states. Mohler said that marriage parallels the Biblical reference to the relationship with Christ and his bride, the church.
As a stay-home mom with two children, Mohler considers it her privilege to be home with them every day while her husband works to provide for their family.
'We work together. He understands his leadership role to be like Christ leading his church,' Mohler said.
Larry Christiansen, a BYU professor of physical and mathematical sciences, said in reference to the overall declaration, 'Baptists are right on target. It's great that they are recognizing the value of the family.'
When referring to submission, Christiansen said, 'A unified wife and husband are really one as a family.'
After three days of conducting official business, the Southern Baptist Convention will adjourn today.