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A petition submitted by United Methodist Men met with concurrence in the Local Church Committee, and on the floor of General Conference. This petition added language that authorized the formation of supplemental men’s ministry groups at the local church level—fully certified and reporting through the charge conference. Such groups will join UM Men in “providing a dedicated ministry for building men spiritually and involving men in the total ministry of the Church.” This is a progressive decision that allows for diverse ministries, including participation in successful men’s ministries formed at the local level and those offered by parachurch organizations. One would think that women would also benefit from the inclusion of supplemental women’s ministry opportunities. In fact, many such ministries already exist in our local churches. However, the same Local Church committee that voted to authorize men’s ministries beyond United Methodist Men, did not do the same for United Methodist women who requested that privilege. Instead, the first petition to pass the committee was simply titled, Retain 255.4. Quick passage of this petition spelled non-concurrence for the other four petitions asking for change or expansion on this paragraph. Individuals within the sub committees and full committee who desired to give full consideration to the other petitions found that they were unable to get past the vote of concurrence to retain the language The primary rationale proffered for this exclusion was the claim that the Discipline allows for nurturing ministries, and that women can form such ministries without the benefit of official recognition or sanction. This offer tasted like crumbs from under the table in the mouths of those who were asking, as legitimate children, for a place at the table (Mark 7). A minority report was prepared and brought to the floor of General Conference in an attempt to revisit this decision. Kathy Connolly, a high school senior, and youth delegate, gave the minority report in support of supplemental women’s ministries. Anna Kelsey Powell, 20, presented the legislative committee’s recommendation and argued against the minority report. Delegates spoke both for and against the formation of supplemental women’s ministries. One voice against a change in the language of the Discipline insisted, “There are already numerous areas in the Discipline that offer other options for women.” Ultimately, the minority report was defeated.
Do United
Methodist women deserve the same options as United Methodist men with the
same level of recognition? With today’s goal of gender equality, one
would hope so. But, the Women’s Division, with the support of General
Conference, says “no.” |
