GCSRW

CHALLENGING for The FULL & EQUITABLE PARTICIPATION of WOMEN

in The United Methodist Church

A virtual conference

November 12-14, 2026

CELEBRATING

70 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN’S ORDINATION

Women gained full clergy rights in the Methodist tradition in 1956. Use this liturgical resource created by women from around the world to celebrate women’s leadership and ordination in your local congregation.

HER TRUTH

Even though women have been ordained for over 70 years in the Methodist tradition, they still regularly experience sexism and discrimination.

In their own words, women share their experiences below:

“He said, “Well, I’ve heard women who wear red shoes don’t wear underwear…My response was silence-but not disbelief.”

“I was first everywhere I went. Breaking in was difficult.”

“I was asked to request to go below minimum salary to “help the church” because “my husband’s salary can afford it.””

“My DS asked, “You’d rather have an African American man than a woman?” SPRC said, “Yeah, I think so.””

“If a church has a bad experience with a male pastor, all men aren’t ruined for them… but when they have a bad experience with a woman, every woman after that is punished for it.”

“Women are hired on proven skill, and men are hired on potential.”

Learn more about the experiences of women in ministry and what you can do to support them personally and in your local congregation.

Staff Reflections

Each month our staff reflect theologically upon the experiences of women, offering resources for how The United Methodist Church can become more inclusive of women’s leadership and a safe space for all people.

DONATE

Your generous donation to GCSRW directly relates to the impact we can have across our worldwide connection to empower women.

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CONTACT

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1901 Chestnut Ave. | Glenview, IL 60025