GC30 Sexism: The Church’s Response

WHEREAS sexism is a form of oppression that exists in church and society; and

WHEREAS sexism functions to discriminate against women; and

WHEREAS sexism is manifested and perpetuated through the traditions, policies, structures and theologies of the church and thereby supports and encourages the sexist patterns of society; and

WHEREAS sexism is evil and contrary to the intention of God for creation; and

WHEREAS other forms of oppression will not be eradicated until sexism is eliminated; and

WHEREAS to work against the evil of sexism is to enter more fully into the process of transformation and therefore to act more faithfully as the people of God:

THEREFORE be it resolved that the General Council:

1. Declare and confess the church’s complicity in sexism, commit itself to address sexism in all spheres of the church’s life, and stand in solidarity with those in society and within the church who confront sexism
2.  
   1. Establish a Standing Committee of the General Council which would give leadership within the church to the effort to eradicate sexism by initiating projects, policies and practices that address sexism, by encouraging the endeavours of divisions, conferences, presbyteries and congregations to confront sexist attitudes and practices, and by providing ongoing education on sexism, structural analysis and the inter—connections among systems of oppression;
   2. Authorize the General Council Executive, before dismissal of the Task Force on the Changing Roles of Women and Men in Church and Society (Dec ’84), to negotiate with national divisions and/or conferences to ensure the provision of adequate staff and support services to facilitate the work of the Standing Committee.

GC30 1984 ROP, pp. 91, 501