Inclusive Language: Clergy Accept, Laity Resist

The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) of the United Methodist Church found in a 2007 survey that clergy are more acceptive of what has come to be called "inclusive" language than are laity. Clergy (68%) report that they are more comfortable using gender-inclusive terms for God (Father/Mother or Parent/Creator) than laity, who are happier with "Father" (95%). The large majority (82%) of all United Methodist, clergy and lay, tend to use male-only language for God. Clergy tend to use "humankind" (79%), whereas laity prefer "mankind" (65%). Most respondents (64%) said that these issues are not a priority, and some (58%) say they are "frivolous." (Ethnic minorities are less likely to call them "frivolous.") Most churches (93%) have had no study of the issue. Larger congregations, churches with women pastors, and churches in the Western Jurisdiction are more likely to use inclusive language. [The Flyer, (COSROW newsletter), October-December 2007.]

Challenges for Single Clergywomen

The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) of the United Methodist Church has found several challenges for single clergywomen: They are presumed difficult to assign to churches; they are paid less than male or married peers; they struggle with social life. Motoe Tamada of Wesley UMC in San Jose struggles with safety issues as she often works late and alone. Teresa Dear in Illinois is wary of hugging another's husband a nanosecond too long. Debra Hanson of Maine observes: "Congregations assume that single women pastors can easily manage household chores and still make every church meeting because there is no spouse to consider. Single male clergy are sometimes coddled by congregations, who bring them dinners." [The Flyer, (COSROW newsletter), October-December 2007.]

Ordination Gauntlet

It's time for General Conference to grapple with our [United Methodist] ordination process. It's time to be sensitive to new realities. It's time to let God's call take precedence over denominational process. Boards of Ordained Ministry at the district and conference levels are gatekeepers for the church. The role of the conference in ordination is integral in our denominational heritage. My complaint is that many Board members have been out of seminary a quarter century or more. Homiletics, pastoral care and counseling theory, and parish ministry priorities have changed so much that there is a generational disconnect between the candidates and the Board members. The candidate is nervous. Sometimes they are asked intimidating questions, and their answers are interrupted with comments such as, "What do you mean you are not sure?" What is redemptive in that? Where is grace? [Dr. Donald W. Haynes, Hood Theological Seminary, Salisbury, N.C., United Methodist Reporter, Sept. 21, 2007.]