For Immediate Release
04/15/2024
Chicago, Illinois — Delegates and attendees at the United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. will have several opportunities to celebrate, recognize and be informed about issues impacting women within The United Methodist Church. The events coordinated by the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW), in connection with other general agencies, invite all participants to attend.
The events kick off on April 22 from 3:00pm-5:00 p.m. with the Women Delegates Briefing. Co-hosted by GCSRW and United Women in Faith, the gathering will delve into legislative pieces that affect women and girls, discuss ethics and healthy boundaries, encourage women to own their voices and inspire them to pursue offices within their legislative committees.
Attendees are encouraged to pack a black colored outfit in support of “Thursdays in Black.” This global movement seeks to create for a world without rape and violence. It was established in the late 1980s by the World Council of Churches – of which The United Methodist Church is a member.
A “Thursdays in Black” service is scheduled during the opening plenary worship on April 25, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. EDT. Attendees are encouraged to dress in black for the event. The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women will provide stickers for individuals to wear, indicating their opposition to attitudes and practices that permit gender-based violence and to show respect for women who are resilient in the face of injustice and violence.
GCSRW also invites all attendees of General Conference to participate in the “Service of Lament, Confession, and Hope” on April 29. The service, with a liturgy developed by Discipleship Ministries, will acknowledge and denounce the harm caused to victims and survivors of sexual misconduct and abuse within The United Methodist Church. Two 15-minute services at 6:30pm and 7:00pm will be held in the Ballroom Terrace area.
“At the heart of our faith is the belief that each individual is created in the image of God. As we gather at General Conference, let us renew our commitment to creating a Church where all voices are heard and valued,” said GCSRW top executive Dawn Wiggins Hare. “As The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church states:
We deplore acts of hate or violence against groups or persons based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, disability, status, economic condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religious affiliation. Our respect for the inherent dignity of all persons leads us to call for the recognition, protection, and implementation of the principles of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights so that communities and individuals may claim and enjoy their universal, indivisible, and inalienable rights. (¶162. The Social Community)
We affirm the right of women to live free from violence and abuse and urge governments to enact policies that protect women against all forms of violence and discrimination in any sector of society. (¶162, F. Rights of Women)”
“We look forward to gathering with our fellow United Methodist women and supporters in empowering our members to lean into their callings within The United Methodist Church,” added Wiggins Hare.
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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.
About General Conference
General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church, which meets once every four years. The conference can revise church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs. Visit UMCGC.org for more information.
Media contact:
Aileen Delgado
adelgado@gcsrw.org