Helping the PC(USA) become a gender-just church
The Office of Gender and Racial Justice assists the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in fulfilling its commitment to become an open, inclusive and racially just church through worship-based action. Worship-based action is founded upon a Reformed Biblical understanding of gender equality and justice.
The Office of Gender and Racial Justice also facilitates ministries that assist the PC(USA) in achieving parity for women in their leadership roles in the church, acknowledging that God calls women and men into all ministries of the church. In society, the Office of Gender and Racial Justice gives a voice to those on the margins of the culture through empowering ministry. Partnering with other General Assembly Mission Council offices, empowerment is actualized through witness, education and opportunities to freely use one’s gifts at all levels of the church. Dialogue is a key to bringing about these changes in the church and society; hence we provide space for sacred conversations around these issues.
Staff in this office will visit congregations and middle governing bodies offering seminars and special training in gender equality. We seek opportunities to talk with elders, pastor nominating committees, presbyteries and committees on ministry. Ways in which our denomination can be more reflective of society in embracing women parity is open for discussion. We believe sacred conversations are the starting point for meeting the General Assembly mandate to become an open, inclusive and racially just church. For more information on gender justice, please contact SanDawna Gaulman Ashley, the associate for gender and racial justice.
Complete a Gender Equity Audit
A HELPFUL ASSESSMENT TOOL FOR CONGREGATIONS AND MID COUNCILS
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is committed to gender justice and intentional change that encourages the full participation of women in the leadership of the church. In adopting the report Hearing and Singing New Songs to God: Shunning Old Discords and Sharing New Harmonies, the 218th General Assembly (2008) called for the church to be transformed by focusing on the intersections of gender, race, power and privilege.
The General Assembly Mission Council is engaged in advocacy for women and in gender justice ministries. The office supporting the Advocacy Committee for Women’s Concerns (ACWC) is located in the Executive Director’s office. Please contact Courtney J. Hoekstra, the Associate for Advocacy Committee Support for more information.