¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. ¹⁹ This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. ²¹ But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.(John 3: 16-21)

Today is International Women’s Day.

A number of years ago, I was at a retreat centre, and had joined a number of other women clergy for a meeting simply to talk and support each other in ministry.  The meeting was sobering.  All of us talked about how our gender had limited us in ministry and had subjected us to harassment and bullying.  I had colleagues that had never been permitted by their denomination to serve as clergy.  I had other colleagues that were ‘stripped’ of their ordination after they had faithfully served the church for decades.  After hearing their stories, and recognizing the great privilege I have of being ordained by my denomination, I made the commitment to wear a clergy collar anytime I represented the church.  Because I could.  And because I need to because so many other women can’t.

Wearing my collar in public has not been easy. Typically, I get people looking at me shocked and then whispering to the people they are with. I’m often called ‘Sister’ – and I’m asked if I know other nuns that they have had contact with.    I have had people follow me around the grocery store asking me why I feel I’m ‘permitted’ to wear my collar.  I have had colleagues from other denominations get up and leave the room when I walk in.  I have had others turn their backs to me at ecumenical activities and say loudly “We believe in Biblical Leadership”.  My own daughter was told by a classmate that I didn’t have a ‘real’ job.  I have been left out of planning meetings.  I have been openly excluded from other events.  I was told I “preach good for a girl”.  I have also had my clothing criticized because I wore pants.  All of this has been because I’m a woman; and I am a woman in Ministry.

And this is why we need International Women’s Day.

We also need to have our Christian Communities take the familiar language of John 3: 16-21 seriously.  The passage that reminds us that ALL of us are loved by God; that all of us are part of God’s eternity simply because we believe and that the choice of God’s Light is available to everyone.  Regardless of gender.

Its not a ‘layered’ promise.  There’s nothing in this passage that sets up a pecking order based on people’s genitals.  God’s Love is granted equitably, expansively and openly.

I know that there are other passage in our sacred texts that set up hierarchy of leadership in the church based on gender.  I also know that there are many other examples of women in leadership roles that far exceeded their expected gender roles; people like Esther, Ruth, Rahab, Phoebe, Judith and Mary to name but a few.  I know that we can proof-text in either direction until the cows come home.  (My rural nod for today’s passage lol.  I hope you appreciate it my Bethel peeps).

But truthfully, every time I hear reasons for why I am wrong for walking into my Call as Order of Ministry, I can tell you:

God Loves Me.

God loves me and my gender.

And God has called me into this time and place.

And my job is to believe in this.

And its because that simplicity isn’t recognized that we need International Women’s Day.

Thank you, my dear Bethel Friends for believing the simple truth of John 3:16.  And join me in recognizing International Women’s Day so that the world can have this same salvation.

Blessings today, and remember you are Loved

~Rev. Lynne