Accountability has once again become the rallying word in the corporate world, the government, various religious communities and even within United Methodist Women/Women’s Division. But what is meant by this popular word? In its simplest sense accountability means to report, to explain or to justify one’s actions. Tied to the word is often responsibility, for it is those that are perceived responsible for the action/decision that are held accountable for the same.

Accountability often, though, has little meaning if those receiving the report or explanation do not believe what is said or do not agree with the basic assumptions under which the action was taken. It is often subject to numerous preconceptions, understandings, interpretations and misunderstandings.

For the Women’s Division/United Methodist Women to be accountable to our history means that we fulfill the responsibilities given to us by the General Conference of the United Methodist Church as found in The Discipline. This centers in the purpose of the division and the organization; responsibilities, authorities and structure of each; and adherence to the Social Principles and various resolutions of the church. The verbs used in the paragraphs about us are active verbs implying that we are not to be passive women but "actively engaged in fulfilling the mission of Christ and the Church".

Accountability to our history means that we keep in front of us those concerns of the women that have gone before us regarding women, children and youth, racial inclusiveness, human rights, justice and peace, undesignated giving, mission education and leadership development. History is a direction setting force for the future, but must not limit the new arenas open to us in mission.

Part of our history also deals with the fiduciary responsibilities of the Women’s Division regarding fund management and stewardship. It means that annual audits are conducted; regular reports are made to regulatory agencies including the General Conference and the General Council on Finance and Administration. The same is true for all levels of the organization as the financial responsibilities are fulfilled.

The Women’s Division is accountable to the membership of United Methodist Women. This takes many forms. We publish annual program and financial reports. We provide leadership development opportunities, mission education and spiritual growth resources and experiences. Staff and directors have interaction with members of the organization within their own units, at conference and jurisdictional events, at special training events, at regional/conference schools, at the Assembly. We have a Web page and resources on CD ROM and the internet.

Communication is the essential key to our accountability to the organization. It is ongoing and must be constantly evaluated and improved. It is a two-way process of speaking/listening, giving/receiving, and recommending/evaluating. We speak to the membership, not for the membership. We recommend program and policies but we cannot assure compliance. Any woman may choose to join United Methodist Women with the only requirement being her commitment to the purpose of the organization.

We are also accountable both to the giver of the financial resources and to the ultimate receiver/user of the funds. Whether in the local unit, the conference or district organization, or the Women’s Division the membership expects the financial resources to be used in a manner consistent with the purpose of the organization and the division. The receiver/user expects that the giver, whether the member or some level of the organization, will fulfill their pledge of funds and/or expertise.

Accountability to the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the center of the accountability of the Women’s Division/United Methodist Women and it is also the most difficult. The opinions that each of us has about the gospel are ours, but they may not be the same as those of other members within our unit or within the membership of the organization. All of us may feel that our understandings are the correct interpretations of the biblical message, but none of us can be sure of that fact. Hopefully all of us can be open to the work of the Holy Spirit and have a willingness to grow in our understanding of what God requires of us as individuals and as an organization.

Accountability to the gospel puts us often in the center of controversy. Such controversy comes about because of a variety of biblical interpretations, differences in our calls to discipleship and various understandings of what it means to be a follower of Christ. John Wesley in his Sermon 39 said: "Every wise man will allow others the same liberty of thinking which he desires they should allow him; and will no more insist on their embracing his opinions, than he would have them to insist on his embracing theirs". He bears with those who differ from him, and only asks him with whom he desires to unite in love that single question, "Is thy heart right, as my heart is with thy heart"?

Mr. Wesley goes on in that sermon to raise the questions he thinks are necessary for all believers:

1. Is your heart right with God?

2. Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?

3. Is your faith filled with the energy of love?

4. Are you employed in doing the will of God?

5. Are you constrained to serve God with fear and reverence?

6. Is your heart right toward your neighbor?

7. Do you show your love by your deeds?

And then he says, "if thine heart is as my heart, if thou lovest God and all mankind, I ask no more; Give me thine hand." These questions are similar to those asked at baptism and each of us must answer them daily in our individual and collective lives.

Accountability to the gospel of Jesus Christ means that we accept the biblical reality that God is effectively working to bring about the new heavens and the new earth. It means we pray and work for justice and righteousness; it means that we are filled with a hope that knows God is God and God will not give up on me or the world; it means that we participate with God in our actions of love for all God’s children; and it means that as disciples of Jesus we will strive to follow his teachings and live as he lived.