Statement of Support from the General Commission on United Methodist Men
The General Commission on United Methodist Men (GCUMM) stands with our colleagues at the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCOSROW) in affirming the importance of this conversation about faith, gender, and the future of the church.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we recognize both the opportunities and the challenges of this cultural moment. While recent studies suggest that younger generations of men are showing renewed spiritual interest, we also acknowledge the troubling rise of distorted ideologies—both online and in some religious spaces—that misuse scripture, devalue women and other persons, and equate masculinity with dominance rather than discipleship.
United Methodist Men reject any message—religious, political, or social—that promotes control instead of compassion, hierarchy instead of humility, or exclusion instead of grace. The Gospel of Jesus Christ calls all people into shared discipleship rooted in mutual respect, justice, and love.
From its beginning, The United Methodist Church has affirmed the full participation and leadership of women—and of all persons—in every aspect of ministry. This conviction is not cultural convenience; it is biblical truth. Any movement that claims spiritual renewal while silencing women’s voices or denying the sacred worth of others does not reflect the heart of Christ. The spiritual health of men and the flourishing of women and all God’s people are not opposing goals; they are essential partners in the work of God’s kingdom.
As the agency charged with resourcing ministries to men and youth, GCUMM is deeply committed to forming men who embody a Christ-centered model of leadership—strong and humble, courageous and compassionate, committed to justice and mercy. We will continue to create spaces for men to grow in faith, to learn from and alongside women and all persons, and to reject false teachings that divide or demean.
We call upon pastors, congregations, and ministry leaders across the connection to join us in nurturing a new generation of faithful men—men who love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in partnership with women and all others who do the same. Together, we bear witness to a Gospel that liberates rather than dominates, heals rather than harms, and builds up rather than tears down.
In solidarity with GCOSROW and all who seek a just and grace-filled church, we reaffirm our baptismal vow to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves—even when they appear in the language of faith.
May the Spirit of Christ guide us to raise up men who seek not power, but purpose; not privilege, but partnership; not control, but communion in the transforming love of God