wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Andrews is surprise guest at Women's Ministries

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Note #7731 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

Andrews is surprise guest at Women's Ministries event
GA03041

Andrews is surprise guest at Women's Ministries event

by Emily Enders Odom

DENVER, May 26 - A surprise visit from the Rev. Susan R. Andrews, moderator
of the 215th General Assembly, was a highlight of the annual Assembly
luncheon hosted by the Women's Ministries program area in the National
Ministries Division.

	Acknowledging the gifts of women church leaders she has encountered
in her personal faith journey, Andrews said, "Sisters in the faith, Amen!"

	The tradition of multiple luncheons at the Assembly, according to
Katheryne L. "Kay" Goodman, coordinator for Women's Advocacy, began as caucus
meetings for women to strategize, at times when they were "under siege." She
said the luncheons were never advertised in the Assembly program until very
recently, but now are attracting ever-increasing numbers of women.

	Goodman presided with characteristic warmth, thanking her audience
for "making the effort to be here on behalf of women" before introducing the
luncheon's primary topic and its two guest speakers.

	Charlene M. Heaton, associate pastor of Temple Terrace Presbyterian
Church and a member of the Advocacy Committee for Women's Concerns (ACWC),
and Dora G. Lodwick, Ph.D., director of Evaluation and Social Research for
the REFT Institute, presented the key findings of the ACWC report to the
215th General Assembly on "Clergywomen's Experiences in Ministry:  Realities
and Challenges." The report, prepared in response to an instruction from the
2000 General Assembly, reviewed the experiences of women in congregational
ministries in the PC(USA).

	According to Heaton, more than 3,800 survey forms were mailed to
PC(USA) clergywomen, and 1,404 were completed and returned by July 2002 - a
response rate of 36.4%. 

	One woman respondent wrote: "I want to thank you for sending this
survey. I believe the issues surrounding the unique situations and problems
of women clergy need to be addressed locally and nationally. I am one who is
seriously considering leaving the parish ministry. I believe that one of the
major problems is that no one is listening!"

	The ACWC report and its recommendations were to be presented to the
Committee on Church Orders and Ministry Monday evening.

	Ellen Lawson, a Theological Student Advisory Delegate from Auburn
(Union) Seminary in New York City, listened with interest to the findings
about women pastors.

	"It is important, as a young female pastor, to be aware of the
challenges and biases that I will face," she said.

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