After 28 years of service and a long history with the denomination, Joyce D. Sohl – deputy general secretary of the United Methodist Women’s Division of the General Board of Global Ministries– told her board of directors that she would step down July 31, 2004.

The Women’s Division is the national organization of United Methodist Women, a laywomen’s organization with close to one-million members who raise over$20 million annually to address the needs of women, children, and youth domestically and in more than 100 countries globally. The organization has a 135-year history of fostering spiritual growth, developing women leaders and advocating for justice on behalf of women and children.

Current Women’s Division president Genie Bank announced Ms. Sohl’s retirement to the 50 directors this weekend.

"Joyce’s commitment to Christ and her dedication to the organization of United Methodist Women have had a major impact in the lives of women, children and youth, here and around the world," she told directors. " She has guided the organization to be faithful in its Purpose, even during unsettling times. All who are associated with the Women’s Division wish Joyce the best as she begins this new phase in her life."

Ms. Sohl began her tenure with the Division in 1976 as associate treasurer, then assumed her present position as deputy general secretary in 1991. She’s become known nationally for her Bible studies and speeches advocating for women, children and youth, and for her leadership and direction to local women in mission.. She’s written two books: Managing Our Money and Journey in Song: Lenten Reflections. Her monthly column in Response magazine addresses women’s and children’s issues locally and globally, the challenges to Christians to address them, and theological themes.

Ms. Sohl supervises the Division’s 32 executive staff, programming of United Methodist Women, public relations, and is the organization’s chief spokesperson in church and society. Operations of the Division take place out of "475 Riverside Drive" in New York, the Church Center for the United Nations, and 100 Maryland avenue in D.C.

She’s also been a leader in ecumenical and academic circles. She serves on the Bennett college board of directors; Scarritt-Bennett Center board; National Council of Churches; and has taught a Women and Hymnody course at Drew University.

Ms. Bank will lead officers of the organization for the next five months in an extensive search process for Ms. Sohl’s replacement. The search committee hopes to complete the search process by March 1, 2004.

General Conference, the denomination’s legislative-making body, states: "the Women’s Division shall be an advocate for the oppressed and dispossessed with special attention to the needs of women and children; shall work to build a supportive community among women; and shall engage in activities that foster growth in the Christian faith, mission education, and Christian social involvement through the organization."