What Does Our Faith Say About Gender Equality?

Social justice is embedded in the history of the United Methodist Church. According to UMC.org that history begins with Wesley himself, and the early church’s opposition to slavery, smuggling, prison conditions, alcohol abuse and more. See this article by Rev. Ryan Dunn on social justice. It encompasses how social justice can mean many things to individuals, but how it is about easing the burdens of others, and ensuring mutual welfare. "Our love of God is always linked with love of our neighbor, a passion for justice and renewal in the life of the world" (Book of Discipline 2012, p. 51).

The Church has a set of Social Principles meant to “urge us to make a difference and to live differently in the world” (UMC.org). These social principles date back to 1908, and have been revised since 2013.

The Proposed Social Principles for 2020 state the following:

“We support both gender equality and gender diversity as important goals for ensuring that the aspirations of women and girls are taken seriously and guaranteeing that paid positions and leadership opportunities are distributed equally for all. We decry the persistence of sexism and misogyny in the church through its practices and theological teachings, as well as in the broader society. We regret that such prejudices have too often led to the denigration and dismissal of women’s leadership and participation. Consequently, we reject any beliefs, policies or practices that envision women and men as unequal in either religious or secular settings. We exhort congregations, pastors, boards of ordained ministries, bishops, and other church officials to implement concrete efforts to nurture and promote the leadership of all people, regardless of gender. We also urge governments, businesses, and civil society to enact laws and policies to ensure that all members of society are afforded equal access, opportunities and protections.”

“We support the provision of comprehensive, age-appropriate education for sexual health, as well as access to consistent, effective, and affordable contraception. We also affirm ministries and initiatives aimed at promoting reproductive health and enhancing the quality of life for women and girls. Because of the dangers and risks involved in childbearing, we believe that women and girls should have consistent access to gynecological care.”

“We recognize that these and other tragic conflicts of life with life may justify decisions to terminate the life of a fetus. In these limited circumstances, we support the legal option of abortion and insist that such procedures be performed by trained medical providers in clean and safe settings.”

“We support the use of a variety of reproductive strategies for those desiring to have children, including fertility treatments, in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo or sperm donation, surrogacy, and others.”

“We affirm that the gifts of women and girls are vital to God’s creation and make important contributions to both church and society. We support equal opportunities and rights for all women and girls, regardless of national origin, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, physical ability or other characteristics.”

“All women have a right to equal educational opportunities, protection of their bodies, reproductive justice, parental rights and responsibilities, employment, and equitable compensation and promotion.”

“We ask the same bodies to ensure their rights to live free from gendered expectations that limit their full development as human beings and from harassment, discrimination, violence, domestic or workplace abuse, human trafficking, and other forms of gender-based violence in all times and places.”

“We affirm that men and boys make important contributions to both church and society. We support equal opportunities for all men and boys regardless of national origin, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, physical ability or other characteristics.”

“We affirm the rights of men and boys to live free from harassment, violence, discrimination, domestic or workplace abuse, human trafficking, and gendered expectations that limit their full development as human beings.”