I was ordained 1984 in the Baptist Union, Sweden. It was never (or seldom) a special issue being female pastor in my denomination at my time – it was a good tradition in where we elected the first female church-leader (general secretary, bishop, what you call it) in the same year as my ordination, 1984. 2003-2011 I was the church leader, now general secretary for the Christian Council of Churches. A good idea would be to give information to pastor seminaries about this network. As time passed, I realized that even if it hadn’t been very special for me being ordained, that’s not the situation in other denominations or in other countries. So even if I was ok, it was a matter for others, that means it a matter for me! Good luck!
The vision for women must be: ‘Everything is Possible for Women” – no ceiling – no limit – but the open heart and the open heaven is the center of our aims.
This place is like safe-place. A safe place for women across the globe. Visiting here gave me an opportunity to meet women serving the Lord from across the world. Women unite as one from all over go further. With love and prayers
A very meaningful project. Solidarity of women who called to ministry are strengthened through this creative way! Thanks!
It is a joy to connect with your organization, and to see pictures of women ministers and leaders in the ecumenical circle. As we grow numerically, I pray that the God of Life lead us to justice and peace. I pray also that we can share our stories and experiences so that justice, peace and dignity of women and children who are well be heard.
Congratulations for the good idea of recording faces and names of women from all over the world who dared to say yes to God’s call to ordained or lay ministries. This is a great way to make visible those who have been made invisible and silenced for so long.
Blessings!
Hi, my name is Jason who is the person in charge of Madang. I’m just an agent of exhibition, but I have the great impression from your booth, even I’m a man. Still women are tortured and suffered by violence and discrimination in the world, and I know you’re doing such a great job for them, and I hope your job, you try can change the better.
I thank God for using women for the ministry of God and for being the advocates of justice and peace!
God bless!
I am so happy that God brought me here to meet women from different pools of the world engaged in ministry and mission. I have come to know so many sisters in Christ. This was a wonderful gathering in the stall “God calls women” in ministry stall.
The IAWM stand is quite a good idea. Women have opportunity to see other Christian women. It encourages women to have a unity of purpose. The assembly in general has given opportunity to assess myself and place my intelligence. More exposure to understanding Christian theology. I pray for more success in the life of WCC.
It was an amazing experience to share in the WCC experience with other women who are already ordained or who will become ordained. What an honor to have my picture on the wall with the many other women.
Dear Children of God, It was an amazing and feeling of warmth among the other sisters of Christ. Also knowing about the various services and ministries among the women ministries. I live in the Middle East but an Indian. Thank you.
It has been fantastic to meet Cynthia, Carol and the IAWM team who have created a space to connect women in ministry to each other and encourage women in their ministry. God of Life – Calls Women in Ministry. God of Life: lead us to Justice and Peace.
I am moved by the commitment of the women ministers at all the Assemblies I have attended. I am happy to always had an opportunity to think about my call to ministry and I feel encouraged to continue on this journey. I was excited to see my name in an old newsletter. Continue sisters to represent Christ in this marvelous way.\
God bless us all. Amen.
Written in French – translated by Christine Dutton
Dear Friends (female and male), what you are doing here in this stand is so important. Participating in this assembly has heightened my awareness that women’s place in the world is precarious and fragile. I have had many opportunities as a woman, and I pray that those who encounter difficulties might find folks like you (?) in their journey.
May God bless you.
An absolute humbling and phenomenal experience to be in Busan!! A greater honour to meet you, the International Ass of Women Ministries. May God’s infinite blessings, wisdom, compassion and love accompany you always. All our South African power and ubuntle!!
Viva Amankosikazi Viva
This is a creative, innovative way to connect all women ministers of the globe. Women ministers need to be together to show solidarity to one another. Support each other and also lead the world in a just and peace manner. Each women ministers bring more care, nurturing, leading and sensitivity to the issues. We are talking in the Assembly. If women lead church, country and world, and more and more women come into ministries or various form within church and the secular world, the world would be a better place.
“God of life lead us to justice and peace.”