Members of Ecumenical Women affirm God’s preferential option for the marginalized and that Jesus has confirmed God’s will that the world “may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). We envision a human community where the participation of each and every one is valued, where no one is excluded on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, age, religion or cultural practice, and where diversity is celebrated as God’s gift to the world.

Within our Biblical interpretation, Jesus’ ministry of healing and community with women and other marginalized peoples, indicates a deep respect for and equality with women. Yet the world does not reflect his actions. Many women are not able to participate in the world’s abundance the same way that men are accorded. Many women are excluded from access to rights, resources, services and protection, including economic opportunities, labor rights, health services, land and – most crucially – education. Women do not have equal fulfillment of civil and political nor economic, social and cultural rights anywhere in the world. Women living in poverty and from indigenous and minority ethnic backgrounds are the most excluded.

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It is our understanding that the church at its best can be a center which models policies which reinforce gender equality, creates budgets which reflect a desire to invest in women’s equality, and which develops networks of women and men who resist systems of patriarchy, domination and abuse. We believe that the church is a powerful transformative vehicle for the teaching, protection and enforcement of women’s rights and gender equality when its constituents and leadership are informed and empowered.