ELCA Commission for Women Propose New References to “Gender Justice”

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Commission for Women proposed a redesign of the churchwide organization to replace the references to “work on behalf of women” with “gender justice,” in the ELCA’s efforts toward clergy sexual misconduct prevention.

"'Work on behalf of women' can easily be heard or reduced to 'women's work,' which represents a dangerous misunderstanding" of the commission's mandate, said Agnes S. McClain, committee chair. "Work for justice around issues of gender is work done not for the sake of women alone, but for the sake of and for the health of the whole church," it said.

The proposal was presented to the Rev. Charles S. Miller, ELCA executive for administration and executive assistant to the presiding bishop, during the Commission for Women’s meeting in Oct. 15-16.

The committee explained that the words “work on behalf of women” should be replaced with “gender justice” to keep with the sensitivity of the situation.

McClain explained that after reading the current restructuring proposal – which was released in august - "we felt like we had not been listened to in all of the times we have consulted with the planning team."

"We decided that, if we did not let our voices be heard this time, this would be our last shot at trying to make some changes," McClain said. She said the discussion with Miller was heated at times but ended on a positive note. "We felt that he heard us.”

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.