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Women’s Division Fall 2003 Board of
Director’s Meeting Having returned from the Women’s Division board meeting in Stamford, Connecticut (October 17-20), I sit down to write my impressions and insights. I ask God to guide me in being "fair and balanced," but admit I am writing from the perspective of one who believes the Bible to be God’s inerrant truth and the guide to all I believe (my worldview). I remember knowing at a young age that I belonged to God. I was taken to church and it became a very important part of my life, but God was not a topic in our home. In high school I was MYF president at my church, and after I married our family became active in a United Methodist Church and I was part of WSCS—Women’s Society of Christian Service. But, all was not well. I was miserable. While I considered myself a Christian I knew I was not doing anything about growing in my relationship with God, but didn’t know how to do that. I went to talk to my pastor and he was out, so I talked to an associate pastor who had no idea what to do with a crying female who was not even sure what she was doing there. What came out of that meeting was the formation of a Bible study group. He gave me some names, and, along with some friends of my own, a group of young couples came together to study I Corinthians. Guess who got to lead the group? The one who organized it! I had some knowledge of the Bible, having gone to Sunday School all my life, but had no experience in actual study. But, "He who calls is faithful." God began to open up His word to that little group, and to increase our hunger to know more. What I learned amazed me! I believed if something was in the Bible it must be true, and I have been studying His word ever since, believing it to be "given by inspiration of God, and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (II Timothy 3:16). I tell you all this to relate how important the Bible is to me and how faithful God has been to me as I trust in His word and seek to know Him and serve Him. I believe the Bible to be divinely inspired and haven’t deviated from that perspective since I began studying His word more than 30 years ago. The evening of Friday, October 17, 2003, the fall meeting of the Women’s Division opened with worship and the usual business.
TREASURER'S REPORT Connie Takamine, Women’s Division treasurer, recounted two of her summer activities—her UMW unit’s participation in the spiritual growth study of James and a visit to a retirement home. "Integrity" was the theme in the James study that struck her—"that is, consistency in hearing, seeing, believing, speaking and doing." Interestingly, the UMW mission study on James, referenced by Ms. Takamine, was viewed very differently by Dr. Tom Thomas of Asbury Seminary. He wrote, “The UMW mission study book for this year is Elsa Tamez’s, The Scandalous Message of James. It might more appropriately be named, ‘The Scandalous Message of Elsa Tamez.’ Her book is a self-described ‘rereading’ of the New Testament book of James. A rereading it is! Dr. Tamez’s controlling principle of interpretation which determines the meaning of James’ book (the hermeneutic) is not the biblical author’s intent, but the deemed rich’s oppression of the poor.” It is important to interject here that the mission study resources authorized by or prepared by the Women’s Division have been repeatedly found to be politically partisan and biased in regard to social justice. In addition, the theological perspectives conveyed in these resources is consistently liberal. It is difficult to rejoice over the funding and distribution of them. Ms. Takamine communicated that the executive staff recently visited Brooks-Howell Home in Asheville, North Carolina. She said, "It is a retirement home the Women’s Division owns for retired missionaries and deaconesses." She shared that there they observed a few of the residents going to work in a homeless shelter. (I thought this was a good example of never being finished doing the Lord’s work, and, that what they had seen at the retirement home reiterated James’ assertion, “without works, faith is dead.”) Ms. Takamine emphasized that "UMW giving supports the education of thousands of women in our schools of mission." She reported “undesignated giving is up 7.6% and there is an increase in giving in every channel.” Sales of “Gift to Missions” cards is also going well, she added. There is some confusing data regarding the indication that undesignated giving is up 7.6%. According to a United Methodist News Service article, Connie Takamine reported that “undesignated giving had increased by 7.6 percent through August compared to the same eight month period in 2002.” The report indicated that Ms. Takamine explained later to the UM News Service that this “brings the 2003 giving totals in line with 2001. In 2002, undesignated giving had dropped as it traditionally does during a year when the organization holds its quadrennial Women’s Assembly.” From this information it is difficult to determine the time period (partial or whole year) of this comparison, and the actual year (2001 or 2003) with which it is being compared. Those concerned about this data may want to contact Connie Takamine for clarification. In conclusion, Ms. Takamine quoted Elsa Tamez, author of the James study, on Christian perfection: “James, and later John Wesley, challenge us to seek another kind of perfection, authentic perfection. It is found in those who do not cause divisions among persons and communities, those who insist on integrity, completeness, wholeness, those who relate their situation to their faith and act with consistency in what they say and what they do.” (It is interesting to note that this statement by Wesley did not preclude his challenge to the doctrinal integrity of the Church of England, nor prevent his launching of the Methodist movement.)
PRESIDENT’S REPORT Friday evening’s program concluded with a report by Genie Bank, President of the Women’s Division. Ms. Bank compared the current conditions at the Women’s Division with constant construction on our roadways. With eight staff retiring, positions and assignments have been revamped. But, Ms. Bank mused, "This is really nothing new." She exclaimed, "We have changed names and structure many times during our history, yet we have continued to tell the story of mission and worked for justice for all God’s children." Since the UMW will be celebrating their 135th anniversary next year she used this occasion to recount the history of United Methodist Women, which began when eight women founded the Woman’s Home Missionary Society. "Those women, though few in number," she recited, "were committed to the teachings of Christ. We see the organization we know today far different than those early missionary societies." (One has to wonder how these founding mothers would respond if they knew the organization they founded advocates for initiatives such as using feminine language for God and supports the killing of children in their mother’s wombs.) Ms. Bank informed us of how these early women raised funds and built buildings, schools, homes, residences and hospitals. They also were instrumental in stressing education as a means of helping women better their lives and the lives of their families. Between 1869 and 1939, the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society, she informed her audience, “alone had commissioned and deployed sixteen hundred missionaries to work on four continents and in 17 countries. They established over one thousand schools with more than three thousand trained teachers and 68,000 students. In addition, the missionary societies established 20 hospitals.” A worthy heritage, indeed! Ms. Bank added, "No organization in the Methodist Church family has done more for race relations than United Methodist Women and their predecessor organizations. Mission education has always been a vital part of our history." Continuing with her construction analogy, she thought it was evident how "there have been detours, mergers and times when we’ve had to reduce our speed." Ms. Bank expressed regret that so many staff retired at one time because these women were valued and "dedicated to the Division and the Organization of United Methodist Women." She claimed that even though changes have been necessary, ministries have not suffered. The Regional Schools of Christian Mission were a success even in the midst of staff preparing to retire. "National Seminar was held the first week in August," she continued. Two hundred twenty five women attended this quadrennial event. "Our meeting in August for the Committees on National and International Ministries with Women, Children and Youth showed no evidence we had been slowed by construction," she added. Joyce Sohl, Deputy General Secretary of the Women’s Division will be retiring soon, Ms. Bank remarked, and this change will be a challenge to the Women’s Division. She then reminded listeners of the purpose of UMW as stated in the Discipline: The Women’s Division shall be actively engaged in fulfilling the mission of Christ and the Church and shall interpret the purpose of United Methodist Women. With continuing awareness of the concerns and responsibilities of the Church in today’s world, the Women’s Division shall be an advocate for the oppressed and dispossessed with special attention to the needs of women and children; shall work to build a supportive community among women; and shall engage in activities that foster growth in the Christian faith, mission education, and Christian social involvement throughout the organization.” Ms. Bank concluded her report by encouraging her audience to "continue then, undeterred—confident of the road we are on, and the One who accompanies us on our journey."
CHRISTIAN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY The Saturday evening CSR meeting began with a report on a COSROW (Commission on the Status and Roll of Women) meeting which was held September 25-28 at St. Paul UMC in Houston, Texas. Participants at the meeting were encouraged to "Join the Dance," and all were urged to break barriers and dance together. The meeting began with worship and bible study. Participants then returned to serious talk about"changing the Discipline and restructuring agencies." In restructuring, COSROW and CSR will be combined to form the Council on Inclusiveness. In 1992 the General Conference sought to extend the statute of limitations on bringing charges from two to six years. The Women’s Division wants there to be an unlimited time constraint for going back and bringing charges, especially for such things as child abuse. Changes made in the Discipline giving full clergy rights to women will be celebrated in 2006. It was reported that these changes had to do with sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, etc., and are listed in the Discipline. There was also mention of a resolution the Women’s Division will be bringing to General Conference concerning inclusive language for God. Also of concern is language used in hymns. Expansive language for God, the Trinity and humanity is advocated I am disturbed about this resolution to change the Biblical language for God. We know from Scripture God is neither male nor female, but Spirit, comprising all of the characteristics of both male and female. The RENEW Network has several position papers on inclusive language. They can be requested by calling 706/778-4812. An orientation for women delegates to General Conference 2004 will be held on April 26, 2004 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. "Drawing from the well" will be the theme for this meeting.
JUSTICE PRIORITIES Rita Arni, a WD director, presented seven recommendations from the committee on Justice Priorities. 1.) The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC) is hosting a rally to support abortion and reproductive rights on April 25 in Washington, DC. It was recommended that the Women’s Division be a co-sponsor for this event and allocate $5,000 for the rally. This recommendation passed following questioning by two directors who opposed the measure. 2.) Support was recommended for protest of police brutality having to do with anti-loitering legislation which, in the opinion of the Women’s Division, targets minority youth. This passed. 3.) A grant of $10,000 was recommended and approved for the Mississippi Center for Human Rights. 4.) It was recommended that $10,000 ($5,000 in 2003 & $2,000 in 2004) be allocated in support of the US campaign to end the Israeli occupation of Palestine. 5.) A recommendation was put forward in support of reconciliation between Korea and the US and reunification of North and South Korea. This proposal urged President Bush to draw back from conflict with North Korea. 6.) A grant of $8,000 was recommended and approved to Women’s Edge which will impact foreign aid for women. 7.) It was recommended that support be given for a resolution to keep the US military from being able to obtain name and address information from high schools. I was beginning to wonder if I was at a political meeting, rather than a religious meeting. I am amazed at the liberal political agenda of the Women’s Division. Judy Nutter, with the aid of several women, gave a report on the National Seminar held at the Scarritt-Bennett Center in Nashville in August 2003. The RENEW Network press representative, Liza Kittle, prepared an excellent analysis of the National Seminar. You may obtain this report by calling 706/778-4812. CHURCH CENTER FOR THE UNITED NATIONS A large cake was served on Saturday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Church Center for the United Nations. The Church Center was built in 1963 “as a witness to the churches desire to struggle for …’those things that make for peace.’" These words are carved in the altar of the chapel of the Center. The Center "was erected by the churches in the United States to reaffirm their support of the UN and to symbolize their beliefs in the potential the UN offers to the world." The Center is owned and operated by the Women’s Division and houses several denominational United Nation’s offices. "It is the place where Christians from churches around the world come to observe the UN and participate in its work." At the Spring, 2003 Women’s Division board meeting I learned that the Women’s Division sponsors seminars on the United Nations for organized groups of United Methodists who visit the Center. They also instruct these visitors on how to become involved in the UN program. Many groups have offices in this building, including Amnesty International, the World Federalists, the World Council of Churches, Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, the International Peace Academy and others. It is a stipulation that “all tenants at the Center must be involved with the United Nations to have offices there.” The claim is made that “the Center has been and is an educational setting for youth and adults from around the world." "The Church Center for the UN is also a place for NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) to hold their committee meetings, press conferences and briefings. In “Our Basis for Concern” the RENEW Network identifies some of the NGOs with which the Women’s Division partners. Most of these NGOs are controversial and liberal. The Center has been the place where many petitioners representing liberation movements and human rights movements have found a desk and a phone to enable the representation of their concerns to the UN. The Church Center Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Mel Hawthorne, was quoted as saying "the chapel has become a magnet for the enlightenment of counseling, the celebrations of a wedding and the expression of bereavement in a memorial service." Henry Nouwen said of the Center that it’s purpose is, "to create a friendly space where strangers can enter and discover themselves as created free; free to sing their own songs; speak their own languages; dance their own dances; and worship their own God." Present in the Chapel are banners representing Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism, among others. "These represent hospitality offered to people of all religions." Much of the information cited here was taken from a report provided to us at the board meeting. The information came from a presentation given by Reverend Dr. Randolph Nugent, General Secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, to the 50th annual DPI/NGO Conference on September 10, 1997. In this report Dr. Nugent gives special attention to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). CEDAW was signed by the United States in 1980, but the Senate has never ratified the treaty, for very legitimate reasons, according to Dr. Janice Shaw Crouse, a Bush administration appointee to the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). Dr. Crouse reported in May of 2002 that a move was made to bring this UN treaty to the forefront again. She, as many others, believes that the treaty "threatens the well-being of women around the world under the guise of concern for women’s needs and increasing women’s opportunities." "As with most important documents," Dr. Crouse asserts, "it is necessary to read the fine print. CEDAW contains some very troubling provisions, including the very definition of ‘discrimination.’ Discrimination would include ‘any distinction, exclusion or restriction’ based on sex. Such a broad-based interpretation has been used already to decry ‘sex-role stereotypes’ and lament the celebration of Mother’s Day. In addition, this definition of discrimination has been used to advocate legalizing prostitution and to recommend ‘equal protection’ for prostitutes in terms of labor and civil laws. Perhaps more problematic is the vague phrase, ‘based on sex’ which opens the door to the homosexual agenda. Indeed, the nation of Kyrgyzstan received an order from the CEDAW oversight committee to ‘re-conceptualize’ lesbianism so it would be a ‘sexual orientation’ rather than a sexual offense in that country’s Penal Code." You may request a packet of information on the CEDAW treaty from the RENEW Network. CEDAW is just one of the United Nations’ initiatives supported by the Women’s Division. Many of the UN treaties are highly controversial and invasive, attempting to form new social constructs in regard to the family, human sexuality and the sovereignty of nation states. Many of the UN programs supported by the Women’s Division would not be supported by many women in local UMW groups if they were aware of all the ramifications of these initiatives. Most United Methodist women are likely unaware of the close relationship between the Women’s Division and the United Nations. ETHICS IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE The first facilitator for this session was Carol Barton from the Women’s International Coalition for Justice. She used resources based on a 1993 Church Women United report. She asked small groups to discuss questions from a sheet she passed out to "reflect ethical dilemmas and conflicts of values" concerning our National Security. Following is one of the questions discussed: 1.) Which of the following statements comes closest to your belief about security? Put in rank order. a) Security is about protecting our borders and our citizens. It may be necessary to limit immigration, freedom of movement and some constitutional guarantees to guarantee our safety. b) Security involves both national needs to protect US borders/US interests as well as the economic needs of US citizens. c) Security is the responsibility of individuals. If we make our homes and communities safe, our country will be secure. d) Security is not just about borders, but also "human security" which includes freedom from want, freedom from fear, human rights and a healthy environment for all peoples. The majority put "d" as their choice, although some questions and divergent views about some aspects of the questions were discussed. There were eight such questions on National Security. After consensus that our privacy should be protected, Carol asked what concrete steps should be taken for implementing our privacy. Anne Rhee, daughter of Syngman Rhee, with Churches for Middle East Peace, was the second facilitator. She asked, "What is our framework for ethical decisions?" She concluded that besides religion, our framework should include such values as fairness, honesty, compassion, and loyalty. In her opening remarks Barton stated that ethics are not always religiously based and the “Ethical Path” can be rule based, faith based or politically based. She went on to say that we must look at our own moral conduct and develop our own ethical standards. As we develop these standards we must respect the rights of everyone. She questioned, "What institutions do we work with?" She referred her audience to a sheet which was titled "A Framework for Ethical Decision Making." The handout included such questions as how to recognize a moral issue, some suggestions on how to get the facts, other suggestions on how to evaluate the alternative actions from various moral perspectives and two questions to ask when you are making a decision. This resource was from the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. Anne suggested the women take this framework to their General Conference delegations. She also thought this decision making process might be used in tackling issues of privatization. She referenced the privatization of schools and hospitals. The Women’s Division opposes privatization (see Women’s Division resolution on privatization). The third presenter was Shawn Casey, a minister in the Church of Christ from Wesley Theological Seminary. He postulated that churches were where the debate occurred after 9/11. He enumerated the five points of the Just War Theory which came to prominence during the discussion prior to the Iraqi War. 1.) Sense of repentance 2.) Last resort—all peaceable means exhausted 3.) Reasonable chance for success 4.) Proportionality--the ends outweigh the harm of the outcome 5.) Legitimate authority to wage war Shawn’s opinion was the Iraqi War met only one of the criteria, but that the Just War Theory, which was formulated by Augustine, Aquinas and others following them, has provided a platform for discussion and was a positive tool to make decisions. He upheld its authenticity. He admitted there will never be consensus on war issues and believes people shouldn’t keep quiet when they dissent, but hopes people will find a way to disagree without anger. Significant individuals whose opinions I read during the pre-war period concluded the war met all Just War criteria, but this point of view was not heard at the board meeting. The clearest teaching from a Biblical viewpoint, and one that I, a non-theologian, could understand, was given in a sermon by Dr. William Bouknight, pastor of Christ UMC in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Bouknight explained that the behavior for individuals is to "love thy neighbor" and turn the other cheek, while the responsibility for a head of state, as taught in Romans 13, is as "God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." I am thankful I have a president who takes seriously his duty to protect our country. While we would all like to never have another war and live in perpetual peace, that ideal does not seem possible with so many determined to destroy us and our way of life. How can a nation negotiate peace with terrorists? Sally Cuffee from Union Theological Seminary is the author of the study guide for Jesus and Courageous Women, a UMW mission study. Her question was—"How do we make decisions on issues?" She believes that 9/11 awoke us to discourse. There would no longer be business as usual. How are we to do our best in a world of injustice? What should be the roll of dialogue on moral deliberations? Ms. Cuffee made the following suggestions for dialogue: 1.) Extend recognition to other views. One voice can’t represent us all. Dialogue moves us from our own point of view to ask, “Do I know what is best for all”? It is through a dialogical process that we search out what is moral and what is right. Our culture influences our views to what is right or wrong. Cultural norms must be taken into account becaue how we were socialized has influenced our value systems, our world views and how we think. 2.) Dialogue has specific moral value. Women value stories of others, relationships. Out of narrative comes one’s moral commitment—such as support groups. 3.) Feminists: Lived experiences affect ideas. We don’t all live within the same realities. Don’t assume we are all the same. It is necessary to make personal, political, and institutional analyses to make right decisions. Feminists have taught us that ethics must be drawn from particulars to universals; that is, from our experiences we determine what is ethical. Women have historically been victimized and excluded by universal standards, for instance, traditional established moral understanding. We need freedom from objective vice and moral mores and rules. 4.) Inadequate information: We are all subjective and need to move to objectivity, which depends on dialoguing. We need to be open to others and consider historical experiences. Head and heart are present and should be engaged. 5.) Power: domination must cease and reciprocity must come to the forefront. Coalitions are needed where power sharing replaces domination and subjugation. We must bring in difference. People with differing views are important and their views are important. There was no mention of consulting the Bible in making moral decisions, which is what we as Christians have historically done. There was no identifying of “moral absolutes” disclosed by God and applicable to all human experience. "Reaching inside ourselves" can often be risky. In Jeremiah 17:9 we are reminded, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." Mark Silk from Trinity College and author of Unsecular Media followed Ms. Cuffee. He believes that State/Church issues are tense and that there should be ground rules for the process. He cited the First Amendment, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;" Mr. Silk said this applies only to the Federal Government. He asserted that there was early disagreement to the amendment’s meaning and that the debate goes back a long way. Mr. Silk reported in 1994 when Republicans (“sometimes known as the party of God”) came to power in Congress there was an effort to restore prayer in public schools. Silk contended this effort didn’t go anywhere because the question couldn’t be answered as to how a prayer would be written to represent everyone. (My question is—why couldn’t individual schools or school systems decide this?) He believes the government shouldn’t be in the business of promoting or inhibiting religion. Judge Roy Moore, he expressed, didn’t want the 10 commandments displayed with other statements of law, such as Hammurabi's code, which is the reason his marble display was removed. He also noted that other civilizations have not had separation of church and state, which has caused the debate in this country. An earlier Supreme Court ruling declared this nation “a Christian nation.” Our history and heritage support this. Our laws are based upon the Ten Commandments, which are inscribed behind the Supreme Court justices. As a Christian nation, we have sanctioned religious freedom, but, does this allowance serve to annul our heritage and our status as a Christian nation? It should not.
MEMBERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
On Saturday I attended the Membership and Organizational
Development (MOD) meetings, with Dianne Hale Vogler officiating.
Introductions were made around the room. Josephine, a lovely women whom I
had met on the ride from the airport, a native American from Oklahoma,
gave a beautiful testimony, using Nehemiah 9:27 as her text, "…when they
cried to You, You heard from heaven; and according to Your abundant
mercies You gave them deliverance who saved them from the hand of their
enemies." Cheryl Trent, Executive General Secretary, announced staff assignments. She lamented that the MOD had been greatly affected by recent retirements and that Carolyn Simms, Executive Secretary for Resource Development, is their only new staff person. Marisa Villareal is Executive Secretary for Mission Education, and Julia Tulloch is Executive Secretary for Leadership Development. She will be coordinating training with conference mission teams and implementing oversight of the "Kindle the Gift" program. Liz Williams from Dallas, Susan Johnson from Nashville and Jan Winfield from Atlanta will work on mission team training. Diana Rodriguez will be the new Executive Secretary for Organizational Development and will coordinate nominations for the organization, oversee plans and implement leadership training events, and function as the staff liaison for staff contacts to officers. She will also be staff liaison to the bylaws committee and has responsibility for the bi-annual program evaluation. Ms. Trent expressed her admiration for how staff have moved into new positions and made adjustments to their new assignments, even to living away from their families. She also expressed appreciation for their commitment to the organization. Ms. Vogler also thanked
each one and encouraged them to "treasure your work." She encouraged them
to look at what is best for the organization, even though the changes have
been difficult. MISSION EDUCATION In the sub-committee for mission education Marisa Villareal was introduced as the new staff person by Georgia Lister, who presided. Marissa testified that it was at a School of Christian Mission that she got her start in UMW. Current studies include studies on prayer, policy and politics. Under policy, public education will be studied for the next two years. Mary Grace Lyman is the author. May Kathryn Pierce has written the prayer study, with study guide by Maxine West. Cuba is the subject of the political study—Joe Perez is the author, with his wife Jeanne writing the study guide. 2004-2005 – Public Education, Prayer and Politics (Cuba) 2005-2006—Pakistan and India 2007-2008—I Believe in Jesus, Shalom and Globalization and It’s Impact On Our Lives These studies will be taught for two years, but there’s no reason to do them twice. Discussion ensued as to the pros and cons of four-day mission schools, with 50% wanting the four-day school and 50% in favor of the longer one. Recommendations will be made after more evaluation. They also discussed problems that can occur if someone teaches a course and has not been to the school. There are two ways a person can be certified to teach one of the mission courses: 1) go to a regularly scheduled school or, 2) read all materials and submit a plan which is graded. Marisa was of the opinion that if we want young people to teach some of these courses there must be flexibility to enable them. There should be a balance of males, clergy and lay people teaching the courses. The May issue of Response magazine will have the schedule of the mission schools. The session was closed with an e-mail devotional delivered by Georgia Lister, emphasizing that "only what we do for eternity matters. We are all under construction." The Saturday afternoon session of Membership and Organizational Development included four interesting and inspirational reports.
UMW AT THE TOPEKA CORRECTIONAL FACILITY Barbara Scott from Kansas East Conference relayed the story of how two UMW units have been formed in the Topeka Correctional Facility. In 1987 the Kansas East Conference established a prison ministry at the Topeka Correction Facility. A group of volunteers, headed by Barb Scott, formed a group to work with the women. WHWI (Women Helping Women Inside) is now a functioning UMW unit with forty-five women attending. They have regular meetings and programs, do mission work, community outreach, special programs and more. Each new inmate is given an invitation to join UMW. Through the years the UMW group has developed education programs, parenting classes, parenting retreats, craft classes, birthday programs for inmates, and more. Most recently the UMW has established two UMW Circles at TCF that make up the Topeka Correctional Facility UMW Unit. In July of 2002 a unit was formed in the maximum security unit of the facility. They named their unit WJAM (Women for Justice and Mercy) and are now a fully functioning unit. Forming this unit was more difficult because of lack of resources, difficult communications, restrictive movement, and red tape necessary for approval of programs and speakers. The women in these units wanted to contribute to mission work, but had no means to do so. They needed a money making project that would fit the confines and restrictions of a maximum security prison environment. After much thought and experimenting, the TCF approved the project that is now called the "Pooh Project." The group crochets four characters from the Winnie-the-Pooh stories. They have completed 125 animals. The project has included from 6-12 women crocheting for the project at any given time. They also make "church purses" for little girls, containing a doll, blanket and cradle clothes. To date the project has made $8,000 for mission. They charge just $15 for the purse and animals, which is very little considering the intricacy of the projects. WHWI members also teach parenting classes and give afghans to children at Youthville Ranch. They have donated two calves to the Ranch and have assembled and sent 300 WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) bracelets for a mission trip. Ms. Scott informed the group that many groups do Bible studies in the facility, but in addition to Bible Study, the UMW also helps the inmates to be in service and mission to others. A variety of programs have focused on spiritual growth. HISPANIC MINISTRIES Magda Morales, Consultant to Hispanic Ministries, reported that in Dec. 2002, 85 participants attended the first national UMW training event for Hispanic women. She gave statistics indicating the growth of Hispanic UMW ministry: · There are now 13 Hispanic coordinators · Five Hispanic charters have been formed in Phoenix, with many of the women living below the poverty level · California/Pacific had 60 women attending an annual meeting · The Florida Conference has three conference coordinators · Cal/Pac had three studies in missions · New York has 15 local units · Northern Illinois has two new units.
Jurisdictional training events and a follow-up national event for women in
local churches and missions have reached approximately 2,600
Hispanic/Latino women, many of whom previously knew little about the
organization. These women have returned home to organize units. The
Hispanic UMW constituency will be publishing a newsletter twice yearly. A
video in Spanish on how to plan a program has been re-distributed. A "Gift
of God’s Grace" is being re-developed and will then be distributed in
Spanish. A local units’ video is also being developed. These resources
will help further UMW Hispanic ministry. KOREAN MINISTRIES Reverend Heasun Kim reported on the 10-year Korean program of UMW. The Korean Methodist Church has recently celebrated its centennial. Rev. Kim relayed some US/Korean history. Koreans first came to the United States 100 years ago as workers on Hawaiian sugar plantations. The first immigrants were Methodist Christians. In 1905 there were 945 Methodists in Hawaii, and 64 of these were Koreans. More Koreans came in the 1960’s when immigration restrictions were lifted. A leadership training event this year will be their first. A new pilot project has helped the Korean Church raise money to give to undesignated giving. They have given $30,000 thus far. The New Jersey unit raised $2,000 by selling cookbooks, and have also raised money by sponsoring a walk-a-thon and concerts. Korean projects have been supported by $10,000 in undesignated giving. Rev. Kim declared that sharing the story of mission with the Korean Church is a challenge. She added that there would be 162 at a meeting next month at Scarritt-Bennett celebrating 10 years of major accomplishments.
LAOTIAN MINISTRIES Kady-Herr Yang from Laos reported on her work of introducing the organization of United Methodist Women to the Hmong Christian women. She discussed a Bible retreat held at a Christian Center. Attending the retreat were 210 men, women and children. The title of the retreat was "Being a Humble Woman." At the conference Julia Tulloch enumerated the history of UMW. There was also a presentation of how women can also be leaders. After hearing the presentation a few women volunteered, which is unusual in their culture. They also had a workshop on communicating effectively. A $5,000 grant helped fund the retreat. The women appreciated the effort to help men understand that women can be leaders too, and the men expressed gratitude for what the women are involved in. The women are now interested in getting involved at the district and conference levels. Cheryl Trent made recommendations for allotting $86,331 for the Hispanic ministry and $105,000 for the Korean ministry. These recommendations were approved. Allocations were also approved for the following: $4,385.00 for the 2004 quadrennial election; $50,000.00 for the July 2004 training of newly-elected Jurisdiction Core Planning Groups; $20,000 for the August 2004 training for newly-elected Jurisdiction Committees on Nominations. Marisa Villareal reported that focus groups for the 2004 regional schools will relate to the theme of “Creating Interfaith Community” and one of the plenaries for the 2004 regional schools will focus on the role of the conferences in realizing the PURPOSE of the organization. Ms. Trent asked for prayer for the staff while they are in transition. At a recent Women’s Division staff week the theme was “Spirituality in Busy Times.” The text for Ms. Trent’s message to the group was from Ezekiel 1—"Spirit of living creatures were in the wheels." She challenged the committee to image their life as a wheel with many spokes and asked them to examine a few spokes: 1) Membership—the six year membership campaign is over and “we have done well” 2) The 10 year anniversary of Korean women 3) The National Seminar with its 250 participants 4) Reaching younger women—doing well Ms. Trent wants the committee to consider ways to better include teen and college women. She indicated that Louisiana is including young women in leadership. She submitted that women of other languages feel isolated and she wants the group to provide language interpretation that will help minority women better understand how they can contribute. "Nurture and empowerment are vital in encouraging leadership,” she postulated. Next, she stressed the “re-cycling" of leadership needs to end so new leadership can be developed. Asking district leaders to help suggest leaders at the conference level would help, she suggested. "Not seeking new leadership makes us stagnant," she concluded. Another suggestion was that youth camps for children and youth use UMW mission studies in their camp program. (Judging from the ones RENEW has reviewed, this would be tragic.) She lamented that in some conferences women won’t go to meetings in churches comprised of other races. She questioned whether ground rules are needed in this area and also whether annual evaluation of inclusiveness is needed. (In my opinion, forcing inclusiveness by making ground rules would be counter-productive. Teaching and leading people toward understanding and acceptance would seem more appropriate.) She
insisted, "if you do what you’ve always done, you will get what you’ve
always gotten. If we do what we’ve always done, will we meet needs of
changing times?" she asked. Ms. Trent stressed that "we need to be
intentional about getting out of the box of doing things as usual." She
suggested perhaps meetings need to be scheduled during seasons when young
women are not so busy and that it might also be a good idea to consider
allowing women to be co-officers and share responsibilities so they might
be more willing to accept leadership roles. She believes that in
conferences women need to engage in the process of visioning and there
needs to be a willingness to change. Ms. Trent envisions a UMW where teen
women, college women, older women and women of color and all walks of life
work together. “All must be heard and have a place at the table of
leadership,” she concluded. CONCLUSION As long as I can remember there has been a chasm existing between those who advocate social justice and those who primarily focus on personal salvation and holiness. It seems both should and can be present in a well balanced Christian life, as I believe was exemplified in the life and ministry of John Wesley. It is my observation that the Women’s Division’s central focus is on social justice. Good News’ burning desire, on the other hand, is for the primacy of Biblical authority and personal holiness. They hold to the premise that social responsibility results when one is steeped in Biblical truth and the working out of salvation. Personal holiness does not exempt one from social holiness, but rather is the catalyst for social justice. Oh, that we could have a meeting of the minds, hearts, spirits and talents! I believe the Women’s Division truly has a heart for "the oppressed and dispossessed." They have educated me about the needs and conditions of many around the world. But, coupled with their social justice mission mandate, I long to hear about Division efforts and funds going to spread the saving message of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost of the world. And, I long to see a non-partisan political and social witness on the part of the Women’s Division. As a volunteer at a Crisis Pregnancy Center, and one who has a passion for the life of the unborn, I am troubled by the incongruity of their claim to champion the hurting, needy and the disenfranchised while, at the same time, advocating for abortion. The unborn children of the world are certainly the most vulnerable and disenfranchised. They cannot speak for or defend themselves, so we who are able must protect them. Crisis Pregnancy Center's come alongside women to provide the information needed to help them make decisions for life. They also provide resources to aid financially. If the church doesn't stand up for the unborn, who will? In neither of the two Women's Division board meetings I have attended, in Response magazine, or listed in their appropriations have I ever seen any mention or appropriation for women who might decide for moral reasons to carry and parent their child. The Women’s Division position is not a moderate or compassion one, in my opinion. The association of the Women’s Division with the RCRC is a travesty. The RCRC endorses abortion at any stage of a pregnancy, in any form, including partial-birth abortion, The RCRC handbook states that the phrase “sacred of life” or “sanctity of life” cannot be found in the Bible. While that is true, what makes life sacred is that “God created man (humankind) in His own image.” (Genesis 1:27) The Bible also declares “children are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward,” (Psalm127:3), and, “we are knit together in our mother's womb” (Psalm 139:13). I think these verses are enough to demonstrate life is sacred. The fact that John the Baptist “leapt in his mother’s womb” when he heard the voice of Mary the mother of Jesus testifies to the viability of the unborn and their sensitivity to spiritual happenings. Jeremiah and other prophets were called “while they were yet in their mother’s wombs.” Another disagreement I have with the Women’s Division is their failure to promote programs or designate funds for the spreading of the Gospel--taking the message of salvation to the many countries where the Women’s Division has ministries. In pondering this, I concluded the reason for this must be that the Women’s Division agrees with a quote I read from a speech made by Aruna Gnanadason, the feminist theologian who was a Bible study leader for the 2003 National Seminar. She expressed the opinion that "We shouldn't take the Bible as perfect--but just one of many sacred texts. It is really, really sad that we feel Christianity is the right and only way." I do believe Christianity is the only way, because that is what Jesus said in John 14:6 when he proclaimed, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." That is a very clear and decisive statement, but I guess the argument boils down to whether or not one believes the Bible is God's holy word and the standard for truth. Evidently, the Women’s Division doesn't think so, or holds to a theology of progressive revelation, in which biblical truth changes with the times. If the Bible is just one of many sacred texts, and there is no standard for truth, then a person can believe whatever they choose and behave in whatever way they want to. However, Proverbs 16:13 tells us, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." While I believe the W.D. does much good in championing the "oppressed and dispossessed," I believe their preoccupation with a social justice/political agenda hinders their witness for Christ in the world. Their far left political agenda doesn't represent the mainstream of United Methodist women. I further believe that their unrighteous stand for and abortion advocacy greatly diminishes their witness. I pray the Women’s Division will allow more moderate and balanced voices to be heard.
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