United Women in Faith explained

United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women)
Formation:1869
Type:Religious organization
Headquarters:475 Riverside Drive
Suite 1500
New York, New York 10115
Location:United States
Status:501(c)(3)
Revenue:$22,450,000
Revenue Year:2021
Expenses:$27,540,000
Expenses Year:2021
Leader Name:Harriett Jane Olson
Leader Title:General Secretary & CEO
Leader Name2:‘Ainise ‘Isama’u
Leader Title2:President, Board of Directors
Membership:500,000
Language:English

United Women in Faith (formerly known as United Methodist Women) is the only official organization for women within The United Methodist Church (UMC). In 2022, United Methodist Women began doing business as United Women in Faith[1] (UWFaith). Founded in 1869, the organization now has nearly half a million members.[2] UWFaith offers all Methodist women opportunities for spiritual growth, leadership development, transformative education and service and advocacy.[3] Its current advocacy priorities are climate justice and racial justice, including ending criminalization of communities of color and mass incarceration.[4]

Church Involvement

United Women in Faith often offers presentations at General Conference for The United Methodist Church (UMC), and has taken a number of positions on social and political issues. UWFaith describes itself as open to all women and advocates for women's rights regardless of income, sexual orientation, race, age or other backgrounds.

Social Issues

In 2008, the UMC voted to affirm United Methodist Women's support for pro-choice positions and organizations.[5] In 2016, the General Conference voted in favor of United Methodist Women and the church's General Board of Church and Society withdrawing from the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.[6] However, the denomination remains pro-choice.[7]

Leadership

Sally Vonner is the general secretary and CEO of United Women in Faith.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: United Women in Faith . 2022-07-10 . United Women in Faith . en-US.
  2. Web site: 2022 . United Women in Faith Our History . United Women in Faith.
  3. Web site: What We do .
  4. Web site: Serve & Advocate . 2022-07-10 . United Women in Faith . en-US.
  5. Web site: Church tackles difficult subject of abortion . 2016-05-30 . The United Methodist Church.
  6. Web site: UMC withdraws from interfaith pro-abortion rights group. Religion News Service. 21 May 2016. 2016-05-30.
  7. Web site: What is the UM position on abortion? . www.umc.org.