International Women's Day is on Monday. It is a day when the political, social and economic conditions and achievements of women are remembered. It is believed that International Women's Day started in 1909 and gained momentum in 1911 after more than 140 New York City garment workers — most of them women — were killed in a tragic fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory. More women might have escaped the blaze if they hadn't been locked in to keep them from taking outdoor breaks.
Several countries in Europe, Asia and Africa, along with some U.S. companies, recognize International Women's Day as a holiday.
One might wonder why it is necessary in the 21st century to have a day that recognizes the rights and achievements of women. Surely it is common knowledge that women are just as intelligent, capable and worthy of honor as men.
If that's true, then why do women continue to get paid less than men for doing the same work? If women had true equality, there would be more women pastors and priests.
In most churches, women make up more than 60 percent of the congregation. But the percentage of women in the pews does not match the percentage of women in pulpits. It is sad to say that some congregations would rather have a less competent man than a superbly qualified woman as their pastor.
In my early years of ministry, I was once invited to preach at a church for a special women's event. Upon arriving at the church, I was informed that because of my gender I would not be permitted to preach from the pulpit. A music stand was placed on the sanctuary floor for me to use.
Despite all the advances women have made in science, entertainment and politics, there is still a need to champion women's equality and worth — even in the church.
No comments:
Post a Comment