‘There have been great strides [for women in the church], but there are still struggles. Women still
were those by women of color. “Tere have been great strides
[for women in the church], but there are still struggles,” Siebrasse said. “Women still struggle to get calls, especially women of color. Tis needs to be a much bigger con- cern for the ELCA.” Since beginning her call, Siebrasse
struggle to get calls, especially women of color. This needs to be a much bigger concern for the ELCA.’
said she’s received frequent remarks about her clothing and questions about her marital status or interest in children’s ministry—comments that would be unlikely if she were male. She would prefer being asked about her passion for faith-based
community organizing. Like Crist, Siebrasse thinks ELCA congrega- tions need training and education to combat sexism. She finds support in her women’s clergy group that meets regularly in the Billings area. Siebrasse sees hope for the future
in the number of women training to be pastors. “[Te ELCA] is doing a great job encouraging women to become pastors by giving equal opportunities for scholarships, help and assistance,” she said. “I appreci- ated the [2015] survey, and I feel blessed to be a woman in the ELCA because they are checking up on us. Tere’s still a long way to go.” Julian Gordy, bishop of the
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Southeastern Synod, said his staff is working to nurture and celebrate the giſts of women by being inten- tional in inviting them to take on leadership roles in the synod and congregations. He acknowledges the ELCA needs improvement but believes “we are getting closer to that place of equality to which God has called us.” Crist said, “When we as a
denomination support women, call out sexism whenever and wherever we see it, that’s the best way to sup- port women as pastors. Te reality is that we, too, are created in the image of God. As are each of our pastors and each of our members. Just as you can’t generalize about all men from one, you can’t generalize about all women from one woman. We have great variety in experience and different giſts.”
Author bio: Strybis is an associate editor of The Lutheran. She is a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church, Chicago.
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