Yvette Flunder, the senior pastor of City of Refuge United Church of Christ in Oakland and presiding bishop of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, has drawn renewed criticism following remarks suggesting that Christianity may require a "Third Testament." The comments, delivered during a recorded theology address and widely circulated online, have reignited a significant debate within Christian communities regarding the authority and interpretation of biblical scripture in contemporary religious life.
Flunder, known for her progressive theological positions and social advocacy, framed her statements as a personal theological reflection rather than an official doctrinal position. During her address, she articulated her view that "the Bible has become problematic," leading her to believe that "we need a Third Testament." She pointed to specific passages within the existing biblical canon that she finds difficult to reconcile with modern Christian practice and ethics. Among these, Flunder cited verses historically interpreted as endorsing slavery, such as "Slaves, obey your masters as you do the Lord," and directives regarding women's roles in church leadership, including instructions stating that "let the women keep silent in the churches."
Questioning how such texts should be understood today, Flunder challenged a literal or inerrant approach to scripture. She recounted a hypothetical exchange, stating, "And people will say, ‘well, it’s in the book.’ And I said, then we need to pull that page out." Her comments further emphasized a distinction between scripture and direct divine authority, asserting, "It’s not the Word of God. It is words about God." This perspective highlights her belief that biblical writings represent human interpretations of divine experience rather than an unchanging, direct pronouncement from God. Despite her critique of literal biblical readings, Flunder affirmed her personal spiritual connection, stating, "I wake up in the morning talking to God and God talking to me," emphasizing an ongoing relationship that informs her theological framework.
The circulation of Flunder's remarks on social media, particularly on platforms like X, quickly generated sharp criticism. Conservative users, in particular, voiced strong objections, interpreting her statements as a significant departure from traditional biblical teaching. One popular account, MJTruthUltra, responded to the comments by writing, “This is why women should not be pastors…” Other users expressed concerns about the theological implications of Flunder’s position. One user commented, "When a bishop declares God’s Word ‘problematic’ and announces she wants to write a ‘Third Testament’—this is exactly the kind of arrogance Scripture warns against." Another warned against spiritual consequences, stating, "Testing God by an unbelief in His Word and Scripture is inviting trouble… she should recant and ask forgiveness." Additional posts were more direct, with one user writing, "She is so wrong. Befuddled by Satan and led astray. Dangerous and stay away from her."
Flunder's background includes founding City of Refuge United Church of Christ in 1991, an institution known for its inclusive stance. She later became the presiding bishop of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, a coalition of over 100 clergy dedicated to inclusion and social justice. She holds advanced theological degrees, including a Doctor of Ministry, from institutions such as the Pacific School of Religion and San Francisco Theological Seminary. Beyond her pastoral duties, she is also recognized as an author, educator, and gospel musician.
The debate sparked by Flunder's comments underscores a longstanding divide within Christianity. This division exists between those who adhere to biblical inerrancy—the belief that scripture is fully authoritative, divinely inspired, and without error—and those who embrace more progressive approaches that emphasize historical context, lived experience, and evolving interpretations of religious texts to address contemporary ethical and social issues. As the video continues to circulate, reactions remain divided, with critics arguing the comments weaken scriptural authority and supporters contending they raise necessary questions about understanding ancient religious texts in modern society. This discussion continues to gain traction across various religious and social media platforms, fueling an ongoing debate over doctrinal boundaries, interpretive freedom, and the limits of reimagining foundational Christian texts.
