The United Church of Christ has been a leader among churches on issues of justice related to women.  It’s in our DNA, you might say. 

Yes, we were the first Christian denomination to ordain a woman when Antoinette Brown was ordained in 1853. But even before then, women who were members of our congregations lived their faith through advocacy to end the practice of slavery in the United States, to establish homes for poor women, and support educational opportunities for women.  Later, they were active in securing women’s right to vote and to work for fair wages. 

From the mid-1900’s to the present day, the UCC has continued this legacy through its advocacy for reproductive justice for all women, its call to end violence against women, its critical work on gender inclusive language as an issue of justice for all humankind, and its insistence on connecting the realities of sexism and racism.  And more.

This work is local and global, personal and community-wide.  It comes from a faith which affirms the full personhood of women as created in the image of God and included in the ministry of Jesus as partners, disciples and bearers of the Good News.

Update for Mother's Day 2013

Mother’s Day – it wasn’t always about sentimentality

Mother's Day was originally founded as an antiwar rallying cry by Unitarian Julia Ward Howe. This history reminds us that Mother’s Day is more than a day for flowers and pancakes. It’s a call to honor the resiliency of all those who mother, especially those who bear the brunt of hurtful policies or who are weighed down by stigma in our culture. It’s opportunity to take action to create the conditions so that all families can thrive. Our ecumenical partners in the UUA have some great resources for use in your congregation. Join them in making “Mama’s Day Our Way” a rallying cry for justice.

Here’s a thought provoking blog entitled “Mother's Day for the Rest of Us” which reflects on all those whose lives will not be found in the greeting card racks of Mother’s Day cards.

Leading up to Mother’s Day, the NCC Poverty Initiative is sharing a series of stories lifting up, celebrating, and praying for mothers who are fighting poverty and alleviating suffering in their communities. Learn about Dawn and her children, who are UCC members from Michigan and Rev. Traci Blackmon, a pastor ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal church and the United Church of Christ, a licensed registered nurse, and a mother of three from Missouri.
 
Finally, consider getting involved in a global initiative for maternal and childhood nutritional support which Church Women United, Bread for the World and many other women’s groups are supporting. Join the 1,000 Days campaign for maternal health.

Justice for Women - Learn More:

• Expansive Language
• Abortion/Reproductive Justice
• Violence Against Women
• Addressing Domestic and Sexual Violence: Tools for Faith Leaders
• Sign up for our webinar series (New 2012 Dates Available!)
• Global Gender Justice Issues
• Racism and Women
• Women and the Economy
• Human Trafficking
• Partner Organizations