Glenview, IL / Rosemont, IL – Passing the mantle of leadership was a highlight when the General Commission on the Status and Role Women (GCSRW) Board of Directors gathered for its Spring Meeting, March 7-8. In addition to celebrating the retirement of General Secretary Dawn Wiggins Hare and installing the new top executive, the Rev. Stephanie York Arnold, the board focused on the agency’s ongoing commitment to the work of advocating for full participation of women in the total life of the Church.
Board members received the following updates:
- The ongoing work of the Ratification Task Force focused on adding “gender” and “ability” to Paragraph 4, Article IV of the UMC Constitution.
- Reports from staff on annual conference monitoring, sexual ethics training, and leadership development.
- Financial updates that reflect both the challenges and commitments of a General Conference year, including the upcoming 2024 audit and projected budgets for the 2025–2028 quadrennium.
The two-day meeting began on Friday, March 7, at Wespath Benefits and Investments in Glenview, IL, with Bishop Delores J. Williamston, GCSRW board president, calling the meeting to order. Board member Samantha McGlothlin then led a covenant moment, setting the tone for respectful and inclusive dialogue during the meeting. The board’s agenda included approval of the October and December 2024 meeting minutes, a report from the Ratification Task Force on Paragraph 4, Article IV, and a board onboarding session led by Celeste Eubanks, Director of the Center for Christian Leadership at Emory’s Candler School of Theology.
On Saturday, March 8, the board reconvened at the Embassy Suites in Rosemont for a second day focused on reports and strategic planning. Denise Smartt Sears, Director of Leadership Development and Accountability, opened the day with a time of centering. York Arnold provided an update on the use agreement with Wespath and announced the agency’s new address: 1901 Chestnut Avenue, Glenview, Illinois 60025. GCSRW staff then presented program updates from their respective areas: LeeAnn Goldman (Office Administration), Becky Posey Williams (Sexual Ethics and Advocacy), Denise Smartt Sears (Leadership Development and Accountability), Meg Lassiat (Resource Development and Training), and Royya James (Communications).
The following committees shared informational updates, with no new action items: Executive Committee, led by Juyeon Jeon, Board Governance, led by Katrena King, Finance, led by David Dodge, Human Resources, led by Emily Nelms Chastain, Mission and Evaluation, led by Teresa Welborn, and the Ratification Task Force, led by April Casperson.
The board affirmed all submitted reports by consensus and confirmed the next meeting will take place virtually, September 18–19, 2025.
Passing the Mantle of Leadership
Bishop Delores J. Williamston led an installation service to welcome the Rev. Stephanie York Arnold as the new GCSRW general secretary. Photo by Royya James.A highlight of day one was a special worship service celebrating the retirement of Dawn Wiggins Hare, who faithfully served as GCSRW’s General Secretary for twelve years, and welcoming Rev. Stephanie York Arnold as the new General Secretary.
Bishop Williamston led a devotion referencing the scripture passage from Ester 4:14, reminding the board that “God is calling us, for such a time, to be bold and courageous and strategic in today’s world”. Williamston, continued by naming various women who were bold and courageous, for such a time, not only biblically, but in our current society, who also include grandmothers, mothers, aunts, sisters, bishops and general secretaries. “God is calling us, to boldly and strategically advocate for women in the United Methodist Church, and that advocacy sends a message far beyond our denomination.”
The service also included an order of farewell, an order of installation, and holy communion. During the installation service, York Arnold brought forth a greeting and reflections beginning her message by thanking Wiggins Hare for the many ways in which she has shown her generous spirit and invited women to step further into their faith and their calling. York Arnold continued by reflecting on stories she heard her mother share regarding her work experiences in a male dominated profession, and York Arnold’s own experiences of sexual harassment.
She continues, “I am deeply passionate about advocating for the full and equal inclusion of women in the total life of The United Methodist Church. I am ready to help usher in the wide and wonderous gifts of our women across our globe and every cultural context, so that together we can all rise and find the freedom to express our unique talents, stories, gifts, expressions and spirit.”
In closing, York Arnold stated, “I will passionately lead the agency, I will push our mandate forward as far it possibly can go. I promise, I will not be silent, I will advocate for others, I will pave the way for future leaders, and empower them to use their own voice to tell their own stories, because as we do that, we are expanding the table wider and wider, we are pulling up seats for all people, not just women to experience the all-inclusive love of our creator, our savior, our sustainer; and that is my call.”
A Retirement Celebration
A number of United Methodist leaders participated in the retirement ceremony for Dawn Wiggins Hare, outgoing GCSRW general secretary. Pictured (l-r): Rev. Dr. Giovanni Arroyo, GCORR general secretary; Dr. Ashley Boggan, GCAH general secretary; Bishop Tracy Smith Malone; Wiggins; Judi Kenaston, Chief Connectional Ministries Officer, The Connectional Table; Liz Gracie, Wiggins Hare's longtime friend. Photo by Crystal Caviness. Following the business session on Friday, March 7, the day concluded with a Retirement Celebration honoring Dawn Wiggins Hare’s legacy with tributes from colleagues and church leaders across the connection. The celebration’s theme reflected Wiggins Hare’s favorite pastime, with hues of blue water and centerpieces inspired by sandy beaches and seashells. Bishop Williamston welcomed guest and offered a blessing over the meal. Katrena King, GCSRW board member and celebration committee planner, introduced the evening’s guest speakers.
Each speaker offered personal reflections about Wiggins Hare’s service and leadership as general secretary. Bishop Tracy S. Malone, resident bishop for the Indiana Conference and immediate past president of GCSRW, emphasized how Wiggins Hare’s advocacy not only advanced the commission’s work but also inspired countless individuals to embrace their God-given gifts. Malone stated, “Dawn, your legacy is one of courage, conviction, and deep faithfulness. You have made an immeasurable impact on so many persons at every level of the church and in various roles and positions in the life of the church. And for that, we are profoundly grateful.”
Ashley Boggan, general secretary of Archives and History, shared that “while this moment is bittersweet, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the incredible impact Dawn has had on our church, the wider faith community, and especially the women of this denomination.” Boggan added, “When Dawn stepped into this role over a decade ago, she brought with her a passion for justice, a deep commitment to gender equity, and a clear vision for a more inclusive church. Under her leadership, the Commission has been a force for change, tirelessly working to ensure that women in the Church are heard, empowered, and affirmed in their God-given callings.” “Dawn, as you step into this new chapter of life, know that your legacy will continue to shape the work of GCSRW, the General Secretaries Table (GST), and The United Methodist Church for years to come. You leave behind a Church that is stronger, more inclusive, and better equipped to fulfill God’s mission.”
Liz Gracie, a longtime friend from Chicago, reflected on Wiggins Hare’s meticulous attention to detail and her gift for forming genuine connections with everyone she meets. “Dawn, congratulations on a well-earned retirement, and I look forward to exploring future possibilities with you!”
Giovanni Arroyo, general secretary of the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR), thanked Wiggins Hare on behalf of the general agencies and every member of the United Methodist Church, for her time, dedication, preparation, willingness and perseverance in serving as a General Secretary of the United Methodist Church. “Dawn led GCSRW and the Church through unprecedented times. Even in moments of distress – when we found ourselves wondering what was happening to our Church – her laughter would ease the anxiety. She reminded us that we could only do our best and trust God with the rest,” said Arroyo. “As you enter this next season of life, enjoy your family, enjoy being a grandma, enjoy being by the water, and enjoy life. But never forget your first love—the God who called you to be a justice fighter.”
Judi Kenaston, chief connectional ministries officer for the Connectional Table, expressed that Wiggins Hare embodied the work of GCSRW in ways that extended far beyond her official duties. “You will be missed, but you will always be a part of this Connection,” stated Kenaston.
Staff and board members also presented Wiggins Hare with special gifts as a thank you for her twelve years of dedicated service. The evening concluded with Wiggins Hare graciously thanking all guests, board members, staff and her family for being present and joining her for this wonderful celebration.
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