A couple of months ago I received a call from a group* wanting to speak during our Sunday morning experience. The caller wanted to talk about the work they have done, are doing and hope to do. I told the caller I would have to think about it. I felt an uneasiness. It was something I couldn’t shake.
This seemed strange to me. In my past, I delighted in this group and their work. The good they have been able to accomplish is really quite staggering. I listened to their speakers several times in the past. The stories of the good, the people who now understand the love of Jesus, brought me great joy. I even attended several of the dinners where they celebrate their work. The raw numbers were encouraging. Yet, for me, something was wrong.
This group does not let women join. OK, let me clarify. They do let wives whose husbands are members work together in a sort of half-membership.
This always bothered me. I have been trying to understand why I never said anything. I guess the big numbers, the people (men) involved and the good they have accomplished distracted me from the truth. They are ignoring scripture (and justice).
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
He called back last week. I let him know they could not speak in my church. Of course, he asked me why.
“You do not allow women to be members.”
He said, “I don’t think that is ever going to change.”
I know, but I have.
*Some may wonder why I am not naming the group at this point. This post is really about the change in me and not about the lack of change in this group. This is not the time. Also, I feel I need to talk to the leadership of this group before I raise the rallying cry.
