General Commission on the Status and Role of Women
The United Methodist Church
For Immediate Release
January 27, 2023
GCSRW creates Episcopal Resources online course
Chicago, Il. – The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW) has developed an online course for episcopal leaders who want an enriching learning opportunity that emphasizes bishops' essential role in ensuring lay and clergywomen's full inclusion in The United Methodist Church.
"We are committed to providing church leaders at all levels with best practices that will guide and equip them in their ministries," said chief executive Dawn Wiggins Hare. "We are pleased to add this new course to our array of resources and believe it will be helpful to both current and newly elected bishops.”
GCSRW designed the curriculum to highlight essential tools and practical suggestions to guide episcopal leaders in an easily accessible format. Participants will learn how to assist in the conversation of ensuring that women fully and equally participate in the total life and mission of the church, lay a strong foundation when appointing female clergy and promote a best response when complaints of sexual misconduct arise.
Bishops play a critical role in setting female pastors up for success when they are first appointed to a new congregation and making sure they are fully welcomed. Bishops are also responsible for leading the response when there are complaints involving sexual misconduct to work toward healing and accountability.
In September 2022, a learning module titled Welcoming a Woman Pastor was created to help local churches with onboarding and orientation for new female pastors. Do No More Harm, an online guide for responding to sexual misconduct, is another example of the resources provided by GCSRW.
The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women has led The United Methodist Church in advancing women's full and equal participation for the past five decades and working to create meaningful change. Those efforts are making a difference. In 2022, eight women were elected as bishops.
You can view the Episcopal Resources course here.
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About the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women
The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women advocates for full participation of women in the total life of The United Methodist Church. GCSRW helps the church recognize every person – clergy and lay, women and men, adults and children – as full and equal parts of God’s human family. They believe that a fully engaged and empowered membership is vital to The United Methodist Church’s mission "to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Learn more at GCSRW.org.
Media contact:
Aileen Delgado
Email: adelgado@gcsrw.org