Our morning session again began with spirited music from great musicians and vocalists and enthusiastic preaching from Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa.
Six women and four men spoke from the stage at Thursday’s (04/27) plenary. The daily administrative committee reports were presented by six females and two males. This breakdown has been consistent throughout the week. We celebrate the leadership provided by these faithful and gifted women, and we look forward to their continued leadership in the week ahead of us.
During the nominations process we witnessed an increase of persons speaking from the floor. Many began their time at the microphone by stating their name, gender, clergy or lay, and annual conference. As we move into our full plenary sessions next week we can be more mindful of how helpful this courtesy can be for the gathered body.
The morning demonstrated the great interest the delegates have in providing nominations. However, it also demonstrated a great disparity between male and female speakers. 64.7% of the speakers from the floor identified as male, 35.3% identified as female. No speakers identified as nonbinary.
In looking at participation in the legislative committees, it is good to see more balanced participation. The monitoring reflects 50.4% of the speakers identified as male, 48.7% identified as females, and females were 48.6% of the speakers, and 0.9% identified as nonbinary.
The week ahead provides us with the opportunity to continue self-assessment about our individual and collective roles. Are we paying attention to who is speaking and who is not speaking? Are we asking why some voices are not being heard in our conversations? Are we speaking at a pace that allows the interpreters to fully deliver the content of speeches to all delegates? Are we doing all we can to honor the collective gathering?
Let’s continue to go forward being our best witnesses of God’s amazing love and grace.