United Women in Faith
| Formation | 1869 |
|---|---|
| Type | Religious organization |
| Legal status | 501(c)(3) |
| Headquarters | 475 Riverside Drive Suite 1500 New York, New York 10115 |
| Location |
|
Membership | 500,000 |
Official language | English |
General Secretary & CEO | Harriett Jane Olson |
| ‘Ainise ‘Isama’u | |
Revenue (2021) | $22,450,000 |
| Expenses (2021) | $27,540,000 |
| Website | uwfaith.org |
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.
References
- ^ "United Women in Faith". United Women in Faith. Retrieved 2022-07-10.
- ^ "United Women in Faith | Our History". United Women in Faith. 2022.
- ^ "What We do".
- ^ "Serve & Advocate". United Women in Faith. Retrieved 2022-07-10.
- ^ "Church tackles difficult subject of abortion". The United Methodist Church. Retrieved 2016-05-30.
- ^ "UMC withdraws from interfaith pro-abortion rights group". Religion News Service. 21 May 2016. Retrieved 2016-05-30.
- ^ "What is the UM position on abortion?". www.umc.org.