Mandate & Mission

We are an agency of The United Methodist Church mandated to:

Challenge

Challenge the Church to live into its commitment to the full and equal participation of women at all levels of church life and leadership, rooted in the liberating message of Jesus.

Advocate

Advocate for women, both individually and collectively, to ensure their voices are taken seriously and their rights are upheld.

Catalyze

Catalyze the creation of strategies and practices to redress historical inequities and move the Church toward systemic justice.

Monitor

Monitor the Church’s programs and administrative functions to ensure true inclusiveness and accountability across the denomination.

We serve as the denomination’s primary resource for ensuring that every level of the connection from local congregations to general agencies reflects the full participation and dignity of women. To fulfill our mandate, we engage in the following essential work:

Cultivating Representation

We develop strategies, curriculum, and training to empower women in ministry and lay leadership, with particular concern for intersectional justice, so that women’s voices in their expansive diversity are centered within decision-making bodies of the Church.

Fostering Understanding

We provide resources that explore the spiritual gifts of women and promote a theology of equity, helping the Church unlearn sexist patterns and embrace a more inclusive understanding of Scripture.

Tracking Progress

We monitor and report on women’s representation and participation across the connection, providing data and analysis that help annual conferences and general agencies measure progress toward equity and identify where further work is needed.

Advocating for Safety

We lead the Church in preventing and responding to sexual misconduct and harassment. By convening the Interagency Sexual Ethics Task Force and providing resources for healing and fair process, we work to ensure that every ministry environment maintains healthy, respectful boundaries.

Building Connections

We support annual conference commissions and partner with regional conferences globally, tailoring our advocacy to be culturally sensitive while remaining steadfast in defending and uplifting the dignity and gifts of women in every context.