Special to United Methodist Insight
During this time of national transition, many women are wondering where we go from here. Jennifer R. Farmer of Spotlight PR LLC caught up with Sally Vonner, general secretary and top executive of United Women in Faith, to get her take on this question as well as learn what is spiritually grounding her in this season.
How are you feeling about the transition in leadership in Washington?
Janet Joyner
Sally Vonner
United Methodist laywoman Sally Vonner serves as general secretary and top executive of United Women in Faith. (Courtesy Photo)
Regardless of what happens in Washington D.C., women can spearhead powerful and transformational work at the national and global levels. We can still advance meaningful change in our communities.
This is a pivotal moment for advocates, including women, to remember who we are. It is a time to channel the courage, wisdom, and determination of our foremothers. While this moment may ignite a host of feelings, we need not lose hope. God has been with us all 155 years of our organization’s history. God will not forsake or leave us now. Provision for our next breath, indeed our next step, has already been made. That is why we created the Micah 6:8 pledge.
What is the Micah 6:8 pledge?
In times of uncertainty, it is easy to wonder ‘where we go from here?’ or ‘what can I do?’ We have invited our members and the public to sign a Micah 6:8 pledge. The Micah 6:8 pledge is a call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. It is an opportunity to take action, to stand for what is right, and to stay grounded in our faith.
How are you preparing for this moment?
As an organization devoted to the uplift of women, children and youth, United Women in Faith is committed to continuing the call and work of our foremothers. We are committed to prophetic witness regardless of who occupies the White House and independent of political party.
We reaffirm our deep commitment to the guiding values of justice, mercy, and humility. As our nation steps into a new chapter of leadership, we are reminded that the work of justice, equality, and healing is ongoing. It is our shared responsibility to uplift the lives of women, children, and marginalized communities across the nation.
We are steadfast in advocating for policies that advance racial justice, educational equity, and climate justice—issues that disproportionately affect those who are most vulnerable. We are called to challenge systems of oppression and work toward a future where all people, regardless of their background or identity, can thrive.
How does faith guide your advocacy?
Our faith compels us to engage in this work with love and hope, seeking common ground and pursuing solutions that prioritize the well-being of all. As we move forward, we remain committed to fostering civil discourse, collaborating with leaders from all perspectives, and championing policies that build a more just, equitable, and compassionate society.
What is your message to your members?
Our mission didn’t begin with any presidential administration as the focus. It began with love for God and our neighbors. We must see this time as an opportunity for hopeful resistance, patient witness, and solidarity with marginalized communities—especially communities of color, women, children, and youth.
What would you say to women broadly who might be struggling with fear and anxiety?
We shouldn’t surrender our power or give into fear of uncertainty. All that we need will be provided. Our foremothers gave us a legacy of boldness, courage, and hope to stand against unjust systems and policies. We are prepared for this moment. We will move with love, and determination. We will make space to share in each other’s joys and sorrows, and we will trust that God will see us through.
How can people outside of the United Women in Faith organization get involved in your advocacy work?
People of faith who want to support our work can sign our Micah 6:8 pledge and make a monetary donation. They can be part of our climate justice campaign, Just Energy for All, and our ending mass incarceration and criminalization of communities of color campaign, Interrupting the School to Prison Pipeline work. Women are invited to join our organization if they are looking for a place to make an impact through their call to advocacy.
How do you plan to hold the new administration accountable?
This is a challenging question given the harm and hurt of so many among us, are feeling. We are concerned about the criminalization of immigrants, the elimination of DEI oversight in the federal government and withdrawing from the Paris Agreement. We will continue to pray and put our trust in God, the one who has directed our path for 100+ years. We will continue to focus on our advocacy efforts and work in solidarity with our partners and allies to respond to policies that violate human and civil rights without due process. We will continue to advocate and mobilize our members through calls to action, to write, call and speak out on federal administration policies that impact the well-being of women, children and youth. As well, we are staunchly opposed to any policies or practices that will further criminalize communities of color. We also oppose policies that harm the environment and God’s creation.
Consistent with our United Methodist Church Social Principles, we are committed to gender inclusion and equity. Regardless of whether a policy impacts us as individuals, we will be watching how policies impact our sisters and friends.
Jennifer R. Farmer is the founder of Spotlight PR LLC, of which United Women in Faith is a client.