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Genie Bank, United Methodist Women President
Image by: Women's Division
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This year, United Methodist Women in local units, districts, and conferences are celebrating 135 years in mission. This gives us the opportunity to study our history, and see how it has made us what we are today.
Margaret Mead concluded a lifetime of observing very diverse cultures around the world this thought: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
That same insight can be said of United Methodist Women and its predecessor organizations. Eight women founded the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society. They heard of the needs of women and children in India. Fifty women founded the Woman’s Home Missionary Society. They were eyewitnesses to the conditions that kept women and children oppressed in their society. Both of these small groups of women believed that they were being called by God to organize and participate in mission, as they understood it. Those women prayed, studied, raised funds, and took action at a time in our country when women were not in leadership roles. Though few in numbers, they were committed to the teachings of Christ.
That same dedication and commitment to mission can be seen today as United Methodist Women continue in ministry to the ‘least and the lost’ in the world. We realize that working for justice and becoming a voice for the oppressed and dispossessed is a mandate from Christ.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, know that the organization of United Methodist Women—over a million strong—will continue to speak boldly as advocates for women, children and youth. Our legacy is one that all women of the church can embrace.
Genie Bank is the current President of the United Methodist Women.
Date posted:
Mar 14, 2004
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