Most major Black Christian denominations in the U.S. have no doctrinal bar to ordained women leaders, yet denominational leadership remained all-male until the 21st century. That’s beginning to change.
, where she sits among 16 men, all in purple and white vestments.
“Whenever a woman is placed in a role that is traditionally male, there’s always some negativity that surrounds it,” Stewart said, but in her first 90 days as president, she has received congratulatory calls from some male denominational leaders and support from her male predecessors, without encountering “any major resistance.”
Religious organizations still need to do more to provide women chances for leadership development, said the Rev. Maisha Handy, associate professor of religion and education at the Interdenominational Theological Center, a consortium of historically African American seminaries in Atlanta. To be sure, women have long exercised authority in non-ordained roles, outnumbering men in local church membership and also leading their own organizations within denominations.“If the man may preach, because the savior died for him, why not the woman?” Jarena Lee, the first woman lay preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, asked in the early 19th century.
“I often start with the story of Resurrection morning,” when Jesus’ female followers were told to “go and proclaim” he had risen from the dead, she added. In the Church of God in Christ, a historically Black Pentecostal denomination, women have made their influence felt in other ways. Traditionally only men have been recognized as ordained ministers or bishops, while women have led its Women’s Department, which oversees auxiliaries. COGIC officials didn’t respond to questions about women’s roles in the denomination.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cardi B Demands Security Let Black Women Into Miami Club In Viral VideoCardi B hit up the club while in Miami after Art Basel wrapped, and she took a moment to speak up for a group of Black women who were allegedly not allowed into the club where she was scheduled to make an appearance.
Read more »
Black Women at Greater Risk for Lymphedema After Breast Cancer SurgeryNew research suggests that Black women have more than three times the risk for lymphedema -- a side effect of breast cancer treatment that can lead to swelling in the arms and legs -- compared to white women.
Read more »
Why everyone is talking about this beautiful illustration of a Black parent and fetusA medical illustration with a Black parent and fetus went viral. Doctors call for more diversity in medical literature and illustrations.
Read more »
Ariana Grande dons statuesque black look for emotional The Voice episodeAriana Grande left fans wowed with her incredible black look for the latest episode of The Voice, an emotional one for her
Read more »
Broadway's Finest Stepped Out to Celebrate Black Playwrights in the Theater DistrictJeremy O. Harris, Michael Urie, and more gathered to celebrate the eight productions penned by Black playwrights currently running on Broadway.
Read more »