EDITOR'S NOTE
The
words of Habakkuk:
"How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not
listen? |
|
70
percent of the world’s poorest people are women…
[1]
|
|
"Or cry
out to you, "Violence!" but you do not save?
|
|
Each
year, as many as four million US women are
physically abused by men in their lives…
[2]
|
|
"Why do
you make me look at injustice? |
|
17.5
million women are now HIV-positive…
[3]
|
|
"Why do
you tolerate wrongdoing? |
|
Between
560,000 and 1,600,000 women and children are sold
into sexual slavery annually…
[4]
|
|
"Destruction and violence are before me; |
|
Every 16
seconds, a new girl is subjected to
a form of female genital
mutilation…
[5]
|
|
"There is
strife, and conflict abounds." |
|
Currently an
estimated 130 US denominations currently refuse
women for leadership roles…
[6]
|
The
LORD’s Answer:
"Look at the nations and watch— |
|
Now
is the time for hope…
|
|
"And be
utterly amazed. |
|
Justice
is coming…
|
|
"For I am
going to do something in your days that you would
not believe, even if you were told.”
[7] |
|
God
cares about gender equality. How will we take a
stand? |
Many of us have been encouraged and
challenged to view justice issues as part of our evangelical
heritage. Our leaders are speaking out for solutions to
poverty, human trafficking, and the AIDS epidemic. We are
being called to action, and it is an exciting and
hope-filled movement in our history.
Too often, however, we miss something in
these conversations. The issue of gender. Of sexism. If we
want to be effective as advocates for justice, we cannot
afford to overlook the ongoing oppression of, violence
against, and disregard for…women.
How can we expect to eliminate poverty
and disease if we fail to acknowledge that a person’s gender
is one of the leading factors in predicting socio-economic
status and health? And how can we share the gospel message
with those who are hurting and looking for hope if we
continue to deny the freedom to use God-given gifts to over
half of our Church?
May this issue of E-Quality be an
encouragement to all of us as we journey together to better
understand God’s heart for men and women!
In this issue:
Jeff Gissing shares the story of how he became an
advocate for gender justice as he watched his wife struggle
to use her ministerial gifts in a culture that often ignores
women.
Shelley Anne Welch highlights biblical passages that
show God’s heart for justice and calls us to action on the
widespread issue of human trafficking.
Amy Morris reviews Iron Jawed Angels, a film
depicting the struggle and triumph of American suffragists
waiting for liberty at the turn of the twentieth century.
Ronald A. Cottone explains how language is a justice
issue and offers practical tips on choosing words and
phrases that are accurate and affirming of those whom
society marginalizes.
CBE staff and volunteers present the first
installment of research on US denominations and their
stances on women in leadership.
Alison Moore John shares beautiful reflections on the
“stained glass ceiling” and the pain many women in church
leadership experience in E-Quality’s first-ever poem.
Leah Welch reviews Sandy Willcox’s Cut Flowers,
a book that sheds light on the issue of female genital
mutilation and explores a Christian response. (This book, as
well as a selection of other resources on the issue of
gender justice, is available for 25% off through our
E-Quality
book sale!)
E-Quality’s newest feature, Put it into Practice,
challenges us to take what we learned in the featured
articles and turn it into action.
Finally, please make sure to read our “Ministry News”
articles, in which conference attendees of our recent
symposium in India reflect on culture, gender, and justice,
as well as listen to the featured audio excerpt from David
Ball’s plenary session. The conference was a great success,
and we would love to share with you what God is doing
through it!
Blessings to you as you read and reflect,
Megan Greulich
E-Quality editor
P.S. E--Quality now has its own
website!
Would like to share your story with the readers of
E-Quality? If you have an article you would like to
submit for consideration, send it to
mgreulich@cbeinternational.org. We also welcome your
feedback, comments, or suggestions.
Notes:
1. Bread for the World Institute,
Agriculture in the Global Economy: Hunger Report 2003
(Washington: Bread for the World Institute, 2003), 22.
[back to top]
2. See
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/domestic-violence/WO00044[back
to top]
3.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/
develop/health/2005/1201stephen.htm
[back to top]
4. See
http://www1.salvationarmy.org/ihq/www_sa.nsf/vw-search/B5DD72A243A1150B80256E49006C621E?opendocument
[back to top]
5. See
http://www.noharmm.org/HGMstats.htm
[back to top]
6. Estimated
from our own research. Please see
US Denominations and Their Stances on Women in Ministry.
[back to top]
7.
Adapted from Habakkuk 1:2-5, TNIV)
[back to top]
