Dear Siblings in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of a pivotal moment in the life of our church—the 1956 decision by General Conference to grant women full clergy rights in what would become The United Methodist Church. That decision reshaped our denomination and opened the door for generations of women to live out their call to ordained ministry.

As we approach this milestone, I want to invite us—especially those of us serving in the Rio Texas Conference—to consider how we might mark this anniversary in our local churches and shared ministry. The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women has provided meaningful resources to help congregations celebrate and reflect, which you can find here: https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/articles/celebrating-seventy-years-of-womens-ordination These resources are designed to accompany the lectionary on Sunday, May 24, Pentecost Sunday.

I write with particular gratitude for my male colleagues in ministry. It is important to remember that the full inclusion of women in ordained leadership did not happen in isolation—men in the church voted, advocated, and stood alongside women to make that moment possible. That legacy matters. And it still matters today.

We are living in a time when the rights, voices, and leadership of women are once again being questioned in many corners of society. In such a moment, visible, vocal support from male colleagues is not just appreciated—it is deeply needed. Your willingness to acknowledge this anniversary, to name its significance in worship, and to celebrate the gifts of your female colleagues sends a powerful message about who we are as the body of Christ.

Scripture reminds us: “There is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). This is not only a theological claim—it is a calling we continue to live into together.

I hope you will consider marking this anniversary in your congregation—whether through worship, prayer, storytelling, or simple acknowledgment. Even small gestures can carry deep meaning.

To my sisters in ministry: your faithfulness, resilience, and leadership continue to bless the church in ways both seen and unseen.

To all of my siblings: thank you for the ways you have supported, encouraged, and partnered in this shared calling—and for the ways you will continue to do so. Our work is not yet complete, but the work accomplished is worth celebrating!

May we be a church that not only remembers our history but also recommits ourselves to the full inclusion of all God’s people in the work of ministry.