Key moments in GCSRW history
1944 - “Women in the Church” study by Grace Bragg, president of Women’s Division, finds widespread discrimination and lack of opportunity for women throughout The United Methodist Church
1956 - Full clergy rights for women granted
1972 - General Conference approves establishing GCSRW
1980 - Marjorie Swank Mathews becomes first woman elected bishop in The United Methodist Church
1984 - Leontine T.C. Kelly becomes the first woman of color elected bishop in The United Methodist Church
2012 - GCSRW celebrates its 40th anniversary
For more about our history,,check out the Women in UMC History.