My view
ual orientation? What about good and evil? Some ELCA members also have some “non-negotiables,” as Hanson referenced in his talk with a rabbi and Muslim cleric—such as a strong nation, living within its means, with low taxes, secure borders, and fostering indepen- dence and economic freedom for its citizens. Just as with our faith, there are some things in life with which many of
us will not compromise or negotiate. Lee Hassell Plano, Texas
A blessing to others I watched a national TV news report on 100-year-old Olivia Neubauer about teaching (May, page 30). Her students will always remember her. We need more dedicated people like her. This article will always stay in my memory.
May many more kids know her. Wilma Myers Canal Fulton, Ohio
Start work at home Pages 8 and 9 of the April issue illus- trate my deep concern for our ELCA. Hanson dialogues with the pope while the toll of disaffiliated congregations continues. Our members will under- stand new and changing interpretations of Christianity from our theological leaders. I say “yes” to preaching to the choir with a new message and “no” to moving in official circles while neglecting our member base. Our bish-
ops and staff must work at home. Bill Hamer
Sheboygan Falls, Wis.
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lutheran@thelutheran.org. Please include your name, city and state. Your letter will be considered for publication unless you state otherwise. The Lutheran publishes letters representa- tive of those received on a given subject. Be brief and limit your letter to a single topic. Letters may be edited for space and clarity. Letters must be signed, but a re- quest for anonymity will be honored if the subject matter is personally sensitive.
“My view” submis- sions should be 400 words on a societal event or issue or on issues in the life of the ELCA. All submis- sions are subject to editing. Send to: “My view, ” The Lutheran, 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631; email: lutheran@
thelutheran.org; fax: 773-380-2409.
By Jennifer Michael
Uncover possibilities ... for women’s ministry
T
Michael is president of Women of the ELCA and a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Pensacola, Fla.
here is an essential need for gender equality within our church’s leadership structure. You might think we’ve already made great strides. After all, women have been permitted for some time to serve as lay leaders, pastors and even bishops within the ELCA. However, admitting women into these roles doesn’t guarantee their acceptance as leaders of the church. Nor does it provide a clear picture of the role “women’s ministry” should play in the life and health of the church. Women have traditionally performed a support role within congregations. We are the ones who work in the kitchen, manage the altar guild, administer the Sunday school curriculum. Women have accepted these tasks as vital to the church. But these are also positions subordinate to higher levels of authority within the church. We know Women of the ELCA is often viewed through this same lens of past work. When a Women of the ELCA congregational unit is merely invited to host coffee hour or only asked to knit baptismal blankets, it reinforces out- dated practices and stereotypes. There is a failure to look deeper into our mission and purpose. We are not a “ladies’ auxiliary.” We are so much more. Women of the ELCA is a living, breathing body of
women who advocate social justice and gender equality. We provide grants and scholarships to women and girls in the U.S. and internationally. We have co-sponsored federal legislation to fight for better health education for women. We make seed grants for programs that promote health and wholeness for women and girls in our communities. Women of the ELCA is that place in the church for
women to discover and receive resources that refine their gifts and equip them to be leaders of this church. We must look deeper to engage the minds of women— our gifts of vision, our energy and our collective wisdom. How can your congregation partner with us as we live into our mission statement: “Mobilizing women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ!” To positively transform our church and society, let’s
uncover what the fullest function of “women’s ministry” can be—not just for the few who have already been asked to sit at the table, but for all women.
A version of this article appeared in the March 2012 issue of Interchange, the Women of the ELCA newsletter. Used with permission.
July 2012 49
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