May 14, 2026
GLENVIEW, Ill. — The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW) is excited to launch a newly redesigned website alongside a refreshed agency logo.
The website and logo redesign come at a significant time in the life of The United Methodist Church as GCSRW continues its work to advocate for the full and equal participation of women across the worldwide connection. The updates were developed to better communicate the agency’s mission, improve user experience, and create clearer pathways for individuals seeking support and guidance.
“This is a new era for The United Methodist Church, one in which we have the opportunity to be more intentional and focused across our connection,” said Rev. Stephanie York Arnold, GCSRW’s general secretary. “With this in mind, we have developed a streamlined website that we believe clearly articulates the mission and mandate of GCSRW while being more accessible for those seeking our support and resources.”
The website will include:
- Support for victims and survivors of harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct
- Guidance for bishops and cabinets on administering the complaint process
- Annual conference monitoring and leadership resources
- Tools to support and empower clergy and lay women
- Staff reflections, newsletters, and webinars
As the staff and Board considered the agency’s visual identify and logo redesign, they focused on elements rooted in GCSRW’s history, mission, and continued commitment to women’s empowerment.
GCSRW records indicate that the traditional logo, used since the agency's beginnings, featured the women's symbol superimposed on a cross against a purple background. This design was symbolic of the suffragist and women’s movements from across the world. A later redesign retained the purple color palette and block-style cross while incorporating elements of the women's symbol that continued to honor the agency's historical mission.
“As we reflected on the agency’s foundation and past, we believe this new design can propel us forward with renewed engagement and a clear focus on women’s empowerment within the Church,” said York Arnold.
Key elements incorporated into the newly redesigned logo include:
- Enlarging the words “Status and Role of WOMEN” to place greater emphasis on the agency’s mission
- Keeping the cross central to the design as a reminder that women have always been messengers of the Gospel
- Renewing the use of the international symbol for women as a powerful reminder of women's empowerment while maintaining the purple color palette, an internationally recognized color for women
- Recognizing GCSRW as an agency of The United Methodist Church by incorporating the denomination’s cross and flame into the brand identity
The updated logo and branding will be incorporated across GCSRW’s digital and print communications, including leadership resources, publications, videos, and promotional materials. The agency seeks to strengthen engagement, accessibility, and connection throughout The United Methodist Church through the refreshed identity and redesigned website.
The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women advocates for full participation of women in the total life of The United Methodist Church. GCSRW helps the church recognize every person – clergy and lay, women and men, adults and children – as full and equal parts of God’s human family. They believe that a fully engaged and empowered membership is vital to The United Methodist Church’s mission "to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Learn more at GCSRW.org.
Royya James coordinates communications for the General Commission on Status and Role of Women.