FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2026
‘THE SPIRIT FALLS EQUALLY’: HONORING WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP ACROSS METHODIST HISTORY
Heritage Sunday 2026 theme lifts up 70th anniversary of women’s ordination rights and full annual conference membership
Madison, N.J. – The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of women receiving full ordination rights and full membership in annual conferences in The United Methodist Church. In recognition of this milestone, the 2026 Heritage Sunday theme is “The Spirit Falls Equally,” an acknowledgement that God calls – and always has called – all people, regardless of gender.
“From early leaders like Susanna Wesley and Jarena Lee and throughout Methodism’s history, women have long shaped the witness and ministry of the church,” points out Dr. Ashley Boggan, GCAH general secretary. “The theme, ‘The Spirit Falls Equally,’ reminds us that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit has never been limited by human boundaries. Even when their gifts were not fully affirmed by the church, women have been called to lead, preach and serve throughout our denomination’s history.”
The General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH) encourages local churches to lift up and celebrate stories of women who have impacted both the denomination and individual congregations. Heritage Sunday traditionally is recognized the third Sunday in May (May 17 this year), but congregations may choose to commemorate the special Sunday at any time.
GCAH has curated a number of resources, including collaborations with other UMC general agencies, to be used by local congregations in recognition of this special Sunday in the life of our denomination. All Heritage Sunday 2026 resources are available at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Below are details about the 2026 Heritage Sunday resources.
Worship resources
We are proud to share worship resources developed by the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women, including prayers, calls to worship and benedictions. The liturgical resources are available at GCSRW.org. Large print versions are also available.
Heritage Sunday pew cards, produced by UMCGiving, are available at this link.
'Un-Tied Methodism' podcasts, including special live episode on May 4
“Un-Tied Methodism” is featuring episodes dedicated to women of Methodism throughout 2026. Episodes feature conversations about Susanna Wesley, Sarah Crosby, Dorothy Ripley and many more. Podcasts are available at UnTiedMethodism.org.
A special live podcast episode is planned for May 4, the date in 1956 when General Conference passed legislation allowing for ordination and full membership in annual conferences for women. Dr. Ashley Boggan and Dr. Emily Nelms Chastain are set to discuss the events that led up to the 1956 vote, including the role that Georgia Harkness played in this historic event. Watch GCAH’s social media accounts for updates on the live podcast.
Watch for details about new podcast episodes featuring important women in our denomination’s history throughout the rest of the year.
Online course
“Women Called and Ordained” is an online course that explores the lives and ministries of Methodist women, both ordained and unordained, who answered God’s call to preach, lead and serve across the centuries. From early pioneers like Sarah Crosby and Mary Bosanquet Fletcher to transformative figures such as Jarena Lee, Sojourner Truth and Maud Jensen, participants will examine how women have navigated calling, authority, resistance and recognition within Methodist traditions. Learn more at UMHistoryHub.teachable.com.
Heritage Sunday merchandise
A special edition shirt proclaiming the truth that “The Spirit Falls Equally” is available at Bonfire. Proceeds support The UMC’s Ministry of Memory. Check out the styles and sizes at Bonfire.com.
Heritage Sunday explainer video
A video produced by United Methodist Communications explains why we celebrate Heritage Sunday and the importance of this special Sunday for all United Methodists. The video, which is available for download, can be viewed here.
Additional resources
Heritage Sunday resources from past years continue to be available to view and/or download. These resources, including worship materials, podcasts and resources to help tell your church’s story, featuring the themes of “Sacred Stories: Ministries of LGBTQ+ United Methodists,” (2025);“Rooted and Grounded in Love” (2024); “Local Church Histories; The Cornerstone of our Faith,” (2023); “Splits, Separations and Reconciliations: Rooted in Wesleyan Grace” (2022); and “Racism: Pride, Shame and Pain: Methodism’s history with racism and efforts to dismantle it,” (2021). Discover all of the resources at the link.
For more information about GCAH and Heritage Sunday, visit ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Media contact:
Crystal Caviness
[email protected]
615-306-3401