CHICAGO — The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women has launched a new website in conjunction with the celebration of the agency’s 50th Anniversary.
The website, launched with the help of United Methodist Communications, was developed as a portal to connect members of the United Methodist Church (UMC) with resources to:
- Provide guidance for those involved in complaints of sexual misconduct in the UMC, including access to the Do No More Harm resource;
- Develop strategies, ideas and themes for Annual Conference COSROW committees;
- Share information with UMC leaders on monitoring forms and information; and
- Offer ministry resources that promote the use of the most expansive language possible.
“This year we’ve reached out to stakeholders to find out what they are most looking for in our communications,” said Dawn Wiggins Hare, the agency's top executive. “Through this feedback, we’ve learned that access to training and education are important to faithful members of the Church.
The new website provides more concise information about the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW). Additionally, the site will provide a variety of advancements, including:
- Language translations in French, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish;
- Navigation capabilities for mobile, tablet or desktop navigation; and
- Improved user experience.
Hare Continued, “We’re very excited to be celebrating our 50th anniversary this year. The opportunity to also launch this website, as we begin the journey into the next 50 years is a reminder that we have many opportunities to empower and support women in the total life of the Church. Throughout the year you’ll see our agency continuing to advocate for women, while also recognizing the progress we’ve made this first 50 years. I can’t think of a better way to be kicking-off Women’s History Month!”
GCSRW advocates for full participation of women in the total life of The United Methodist Church. The monitoring agency 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.”