The letter comes after efforts to reconcile issues around the December 7 firing of seven CWU staff. After the dismissals, the Women’s Division made a decision to withhold funds in an effort to persuade CWU to set a clear direction for the organization and resolve justice issues around the firing.

During the last weekend of January, CWU officers, their transition team and supporting denominational women’s organizations met together in Daytona Beach, Florida.

"At that meeting, the staff liaisons clearly articulated their concerns regarding the method used in the dismissals, the lack of communication with the denominations, the financial condition of CWU, the justice issues around the dismissals, and anxiety about the future of the organization," says Joyce Sohl, deputy general secretary of the Women’s Division, in her letter.

At the meeting, Church Women United agreed to distribute a press release about the discussed issues at the meeting after approval by the attending denominational staff.

The denominational staff recommended that CWU enter into mediation with the seven former staff to resolve issues of severance and cancel the upcoming July Assembly in Milwaukee. CWU representatives agreed to present a plan by March to the governing body for the future of the organization at the national level.

"I left that meeting feeling that some progress had been made and communication would continue," says Ms. Sohl.

But events over the last several days have prompted more concern by the Women’s Division. In the letter, Ms. Sohl criticizes the most recent press release of Church Women United for misquotes and misinformation, stating that denominational staff attending the meeting were not given a chance to review the release, as previously agreed.

The CWU press release also states that the "2001 Assembly is embraced as an important cooperative venture."

"[This] is not true in light of our recommendation that it be cancelled," says Ms. Sohl.

This week it became evident that CWU would not enter into mediation with fired staff, but would continue conversations through attorneys and with plans for the July CWU Assembly.

In her letter, Joyce Sohl announced several responses to the announcements, including reinstatement of 2001 financial contributions on a quarterly basis, as opposed to a semi-annual basis; encouragement of women to still participate in CWU events; and disappointment with CWU’s refusal to enter into mediation.

"We encourage the CWU Board of Directors to thoroughly review their procedures, policies, bylaws, etc., so that a similar situation will not happen again; to seek reconciliation and healing within their Board, among members and with denominations; to publish a clear and definitive statement of their financial condition; and to make a just settlement with former staff," says Ms. Sohl.

"This is a difficult time within Church Women United. Let us keep the leadership, membership and organization in our prayers."

The Women’s Division represents United Methodist Women, a one-million member organization whose purpose is to foster spiritual growth, develop leaders and advocate for justice. Members raise more than $20 million a year for programs and projects related to women, children and youth in the United States and in more than 100 countries around the world.

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