In 2026, The United Methodist Church celebrates the 70th anniversary of full clergy rights for women. This milestone invites us to honor the women who have faithfully answered God’s call to ministry, celebrate the clergywomen serving today, and remember those who helped open the way for generations to come.
Resources from the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women
The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW) serves The United Methodist Church by advocating for the full and equal participation of women in the life of the church. To commemorate the 70th anniversary of women’s ordination, GCSRW has developed worship resources, historical information, graphics, and educational materials for congregations.
- 70 Years of Women’s Ordination Resources
- How Far We’ve Come—and the Distance Still to Go
- Subscribe to Wisdom Talks with GCSRW
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference COSROW
The Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) works within our conference to promote equity, inclusion, and accountability in the life of the church. During Annual Conference 2026, COSROW helped commemorate the 70th anniversary of women’s ordination while also encouraging members to reflect on how the church can continue creating space for all voices to be heard and valued.
Red shoes are a tradition among women during ordination, honoring the profound legacy of women in the United Methodist Church. Pictured here: the TWK Annual Conference 2025 Ordination Service.
Conference Stories
Learn more about the history and impact of women in ministry through these Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference stories:
- Seventy Years of Women Ordained as UMC Clergy
- Women’s History Month: Women Who Shaped Mission and Community in the Early Days of TWK
Continuing the Work
Celebrating 70 years of women’s ordination is not only about looking back. It is also an opportunity to continue listening, learning, and working toward a church where all people are fully included, heard, and valued. As we give thanks for the women who came before us, we also commit to supporting the women leading, serving, and discerning God’s call today.
Learn more about our conference’s Commission on Status and Role of Women.
