UNITED METHODIST WOMEN STATEMENT

United Methodist Women: Annual Conference Votes Proof of the Unfinished Business of Gender Justice

United Methodist Women laments the denomination’s failure to ratify constitutional amendments ensuring the full inclusion of women in the church.

The failure to adopt these measures banning discrimination against women in the church is painful proof of the unfinished business of securing gender justice. Once a constitutional amendment is adopted by the General Conference, it must be affirmed by a 2/3 vote from the aggregate number of members of the Annual Conference present and voting.

The proposed new Paragraph 6 stated that “men and women are of equal value in the eyes of God” and instructed the church to “seek to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, whether in organizations or in individuals, in every facet of its life and in society at large.” The proposed amendment to Paragraph 4 barred the church from discriminating against members because of their gender, ability, age or marital status, as it now prohibits concerning race, color, national origin, and economic condition.

For nearly 150 years, United Methodist Women has engaged in ministry and advocacy that affirmed the equality of women’s humanity, agency, abilities, and right to full inclusion in church and society. While the failure to ratify these amendments is hurtful, this action makes it even more apparent that United Methodist Women’s work for gender justice and to lift up the needs and abilities of women is not over.

In the 21st century, women still need to organize for mission.

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Contact: Yvette Moore, ymoore@unitedmethodistwomen.org