Glenview, Ill — The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW) convened its Fall 2025 Board of Directors Meeting on September 18–19 at Wespath Benefits and Investments in Glenview, Ill. Led by Rev. Stephanie York Arnold, GCSRW’s general secretary, and Bishop Delores J. Williamston, board president, the board gathered for worship, organizational updates, and business actions aligned with GCSRW’s four pillars -- monitoring, sexual ethics, leadership and education -- to continue challenging The UMC for the full and equal participation of women.
Setting the meeting tone
Prior to the start of the meeting, board members and staff visited the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum in Chicago, a gathering place where immigrants from diverse backgrounds found a place of community, support and assistance. The visit highlighted the pioneering leadership of women in the late 1800s who demonstrated social reform by providing housing, childcare, education, arts programming, and more. The visit set the tone and theme for the board meeting.
Installation of New Staff and Leadership Reports
The meeting began with communion and installation of new team members: Rev. Dr. Tyler Schwaller (Director of Sexual Ethics), Rev. Katrena King (Director of Monitoring and Resource Development), and Rev. Kelli Hitchman-Craig (Director of Leadership Development and Community Engagement).
In her report, York Arnold presented board members with jewelry and power pots from Community on the Rise, a nonprofit in Birmingham, Ala., that empowers unhoused women with two years of free and safe housing, employment opportunity, and compassionate support. The women made hand-crafted GCSRW necklaces out of Alabama seashells and purple #5 recycled plastics for members to wear as inspiration that women are capable of anything. She also shared highlights from her first six months in the role, that included deepening her understanding of The UMC, building the GCSRW team and strengthening relationships across the connection.
As she concluded, York Arnold expressed appreciation for the board’s visit to the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum and for support of Community on the Rise.
“The work of the women at the Hull-House and Community on the Rise were models for how our GCSRW board can love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously for the transformation of the world,” stated York Arnold. “I am deeply inspired by the vision and work of both organizations.”
GCSRW staff provided detailed reports highlighting strategic priorities:
- Sexual Ethics: Supporting survivors, resourcing response teams, and developing a virtual Do No Harm training in 2026.
- Leadership Development: Building partnerships with annual conferences, creating educational and relational opportunities and strengthening AC COSROWs.
- Monitoring & Resource Development: Expanding monitoring trainings, advising on legislative guidance, and updating GCSRW tools and resources.
- Communications: Enhancing storytelling, broadening engagement, amplifying leadership voices, and celebrating milestones.
All staff reports were affirmed by the board.
Key Business Actions
During the meeting, the Board of Directors approved the following:
- 2026 GCSRW Budget and utilizing Wespath’s Social Values Choice Equity Fund.
- A slate of prospective 2025-2028 board members representing various jurisdictions, racial and ethnic groups across the connection.
- Committee reports from Human Resources, Mission & Evaluation, Ratification Task Force, and United Women in Faith.
Commitment to Global Connection
As part of GCSRW’s ongoing commitment to strengthening relationships in the Central Conferences, board member Angel A. Musaw Tshidj shared a report from her participation in the African College of Bishops gathering. While there, she presented GCSRW’s quadrennial goals, shared resources on sexual ethics, and highlighted key priorities for women across Africa. The feedback received from the gathering will help shape and enhance GCSRW’s work worldwide.
Looking Ahead
During the meeting, the board and staff celebrated GCSRWs 53 years of ministry, recognizing the ongoing need to advance women’s full equality in the Church even 16 years after ordination rights were granted.
The Board of Directors affirmed all reports and expressed gratitude for the collective work being carried forward. Upcoming meetings include Spring 2026 Virtual Board Meeting, March 18-19, and Fall 2026 In-Person Board Meeting, September 15–18.
As York Arnold reflects on the work of the Board of Directors and GCSRW staff, she shares, “I left our Fall 2025 Board meeting both grateful and inspired—grateful for a team that leads with grace, laughter, and accountability. I am ready to continue the work of empowering women to full equality within the total life and ministry of The United Methodist Church as we strive to model Beloved Community for ALL the world.”
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