Women leaders

In what ways are you seeing women being enabled, empowered and equipped for service and ministry within the territory?

BMI have reflected often on the privilege I have felt, particularly as a young girl and now as a woman, that I didn’t ever question whether I could serve God in ministry. I knew that God called me and that my gender didn’t prohibit me.

Do you see or have you experienced discrimination for being a female leader?

JL

It’s encouraging to see a number of female bandmasters in our territory, especially when you consider those days – within living memory for many of us – when women weren’t even allowed to participate in Army bands. In The Salvation Army, we do have a history of female leadership at the very highest positions, yet there are still sometimes blind spots when it comes to the very clear potential and ability of married female leaders.

JMIt is hoped that women are given the same opportunities as men with regard to training. However, I would say that there are still more men than women selected for specific opportunities on boards and councils, speaking roles, leadership roles, etc. I also note many married female leaders taking the main caring role for children or family and therefore declining certain opportunities they may be offered.

BMI have not directly experienced discrimination within The Salvation Army but, unfortunately, I have experienced it within my ministry. I am blessed to serve alongside my husband in ministry. However, at the start I was referred to as his assistant and still today ecumenical work is addressed or directed to my husband before me, despite sharing and working equally.

JMI feel that I have been discriminated against as a married female leader on the occasions that I have been given a ‘default’ role, ie ‘a job for the wife of…’. I have not been given the same opportunities my husband has had for wider Salvation Army experience.

JLYes, from someone who would never have spoken to a male leader the way I was spoken to when I made a decision that they didn’t agree with.

AJI’ve not yet been discriminated against in The Salvation Army for being a woman. In fact, I’ve always been impressed that the Founders were so for getting women into all roles.

Ny

Being part of the UKI Territory, I feel I have been encouraged, empowered and equipped as a female leader. I have been given a sense of self-worth and access to equal opportunities. No one judges my abilities based on my gender. Rather, I am valued and respected as a person.

AJI’ve felt hugely supported in exploring leadership and very encouraged along the way.

NYThere was someone who made the comment that because I was a woman, I could not be their pastor. Although this incident only reflects the discriminatory opinions of one person, I would say that this issue has not been fully eliminated, and we cannot deny that gender discrimination is still a problem in the UKI Territory.

Captain Jo Moir (THQ) asks

Range

Their Insights Into The Realities For

in leadership in The Salvation Army and their hopes for the future

What action would you like to see in the next five years around women in leadership in the UKI Territory?