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The United States Must Support Policies That Contribute to Human Flourishing Rather Than Human Suffering

For Immediate Release
 
NEW YORK – United Women in Faith decried the escalating violence in the Middle East. In highlighting the horrific humanitarian crisis and the devastation visited on the people of Gaza, the organization urged an immediate and permanent ceasefire, abidance of international norms and protection of human life. It released the following statement, which coincides with the one-year mark of the Israel-Hamas war:
 
“No loss of life is acceptable and the tremendous loss of life in Gaza is devastating. More than 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza, more than a thousand in Israel and more than a thousand in Lebanon. Without immediate action, this war will spread across the world. Whether one lives in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon or some other part of the Middle East, we are all impacted by what is happening in the region.
 
“We condemn anti-Palestinian, antisemitic and anti-Muslim rhetoric that has led to a rise in hate crimes targeting Palestinian, Jewish and Muslim communities in the United States and globally. 
 
“It is imperative that the United States support policies that contribute to human flourishing rather than human suffering. President Biden and the U.S. Congress must ensure that not another dollar is invested in the bombing of women, children and youth. The United States’ continued participation in this war – by explicit or implicit support – is to our national shame. History will not judge us kindly without an immediate change of course in support of the preservation of human life.
 
“As women of faith, we understand that the toll of war is unimaginably steep, and disproportionately felt by women, children and youth. In times of war and instability, women, children and youth are more likely to experience gender-based violence, unwanted pregnancies, displacement, infections and an interruption of access to essential resources like food, water, medicine, social services, and medical care. There is also a physical, psychological, and spiritual impact of war and instability that cannot not be minimized.
 
“We therefore affirm the tenants of The UMC Social Principles, which state, “As disciples of Christ, we are called to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as reconcilers of conflict. We insist that the first moral duty of all nations is to work together to resolve by peaceful means every dispute that arises between or among them…We believe that human values must outweigh military claims as governments determine their priorities.”
 
“As world leaders contemplate this grievous situation, the voices and perspectives of women must be at the forefront. Unfortunately, women’s voices are rarely amplified during war. However, as women of faith, we know that women are not just victims but also powerful actors, generating creative and fruitful political solutions. We affirm Palestinian and Israeli women and organizations who have been working for negotiated political solutions. The status quo of continued occupation, denial of self-determination and war will not lead to just and lasting peace, freedom and security for both peoples. All negotiations must include women’s voices and concerns, including complying with the global framework laid out in Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
 
“Finally, with the presidential election just weeks away, the current and incoming administration and Congress must be committed to long-term solutions that promote just and lasting peace. We issue this urgent appeal not just as those devoted to Methodist teachings, but as women seeking to live into our foremothers’ example of tireless advocacy. Without immediate action, this escalating crisis threatens to destroy entire regions, generations, and bloodlines. This is a risk no reasonable person should embrace.”

Faith Leaders: The Solution to Homelessness is Not Criminalization; It’s Housing

For Immediate Release

NEW YORK – Being homeless in America is incredibly hard, and last week the Supreme Court made it harder still. In a 6-3 decision in City of Grants Pass v Johnson, the majority ruled that it was permissible to ticket and jail people for sleeping outside or in their cars, even with just a blanket covering them, when they have no other place to go. United Women in Faith and several affiliated National Mission Institutions, weighed in, and shared thoughts on the decision, its dangers, and what needs to happen going forward:

Last week’s Supreme Court decision criminalizes people experiencing homelessness, while moving the country no closer to solving the underlying problem as 653,104 people were homeless in America on a winter night in 2023. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, “This is the highest number of people reported as experiencing homelessness on a single night since the national reporting on the Point-in-Time count began in 2007.”

The solution to homelessness is not criminalization; it’s housing. But all across the country, our communities face a dire shortage of affordable housing.

“Columbus, GA is short about 14,000 units of affordable housing,” said Kim Jenkins, Executive Director of Open Door Community House.

“Nashville’s housing situation is very troublesome,” said Steve Fleming, Executive Director of the Bethlehem Centers of Nashville. “It’s a very fast-growing city. There’s been an influx of people from other parts of the country – California, New York – and it’s a steal for them. But it’s really stressing some local families to the max. Those typical, low-income families we serve every day, who are just trying to keep up with everyday living, are having to leave, or falling into homelessness because they can’t keep up with rent. We found out that there were some families that were living in cars, or living down by different properties downtown by the river. I had a situation where one family was sleeping under a bridge.”

The housing crisis is not limited to a single city, state or region. It is engulfing the whole country.

“The cost of the average apartment went up 21% in 2021,” said Bill Tibbitts of the Crossroads Urban Center in Salt Lake County. “At a recent Crossroads BBQ, a man served by our ministry pointed to a nearby building and said he used to live in a two-bedroom there. He had been paying $950/month. The rent was up to $2,100/month last he’d heard and the man, himself, was currently homeless.”

“The bigger situation is that, country-wide, we don’t have anything close to the affordable housing we need, especially for those earning less than 30% of Area Median Income,” Tim Shanahan, Executive Director of Families Forward in Des Moines, Iowa, remarked. “That impacts not just homeless people, but other low-income people, as well. There’s not enough shelter space, rent assistance, rapid rehousing supports, or utility assistance. As long as we don’t have enough affordable housing, and don’t have enough programs for people who need short-term help, we’re going to be in that situation where people have nowhere else to go.”

Another commonality across the nation is a lack adequate safe and accessible short-term and transitional housing options.

“We have 61 [shelter] beds in Mobile and 35 beds in Baldwin County and we have a waiting list of nearly 200 individuals. Last year, our local homeless coalition reported 2830 individuals were in a housing crisis,” said Kate Carver, Executive Director of Dumas Wesley Community Center in Mobile, AL.

“I get calls all the time, people showing up at 5:00 p.m. on a Friday saying they need somewhere to go,” Jenkins said. “But even rapid rehousing is not that rapid –it’s not same-night. We have people who pop in the door all the time who say I literally have nowhere else to go. Those people are, for a while, literally on the streets, sleeping on a park bench for a short time, because they have nowhere else to go. If those people are now going to be taken to jail, then I think we have a real problem. If we criminalize people just because they’re on a park bench sleeping because they have nowhere else to go, then I don’t know where that leaves us as a society.”

The consequences of Grants Pass v Johnson may well be lethal, if it means that people without shelter are unable to protect themselves from the elements for fear of criminal punishment.

“We cannot really calculate how many more people will die, will have frostbite that causes them to lose digits or limbs, because we’ve never had this many people being exposed to the elements before,” Bill Tibbitts, of Crossroads Urban Center in Salt Lake City, UT. “If we’re going to say that you can’t use a tent anymore, when there are 1,000 people outside in the snow, that’s alarming. Criminalization has been a kneejerk reaction, the default for politicians from both parties. But we know that it doesn’t work.”  

Criminalization is a step in the wrong direction.

“You have one event – major medical bill or some other situation — almost anybody can find themselves homeless, and find themselves having to sleep outside, or sleep in a car, in a way that would be punishable,” Shawna Nelsen-Wills, of Emma Norton, reflected. “When you talk about jailing people or giving them fines for sleeping outside, then that just pushes them back further from their goal of finding safe, affordable housing, or a job, or whatever they’re trying to achieve. It just makes it that much more difficult. We, as a society, should be helping them find what they need to succeed and take those next steps, not punishing them for sleeping outside.”

“The City of Grants Pass v Johnson decision will exacerbate existing inequalities and further criminalize poor people, especially poor people of color,” said Emily Jones, Executive for Racial Justice at United Women in Faith. “We know that nationally, 37% of people experiencing homelessness are Black and nearly a third are Latina/o/x. Homelessness is already a racial justice issue. We also know that people of color are targeted by policing and arrested more frequently than white people who engage in the same behavior. So, there is a double-disproportionality at play here. People of color are more likely to experience homelessness and, once homeless, people of color are more likely to be criminalized for their homelessness.”

Criminalizing homelessness sets people up both for short-term traumatic experiences and erects further barriers to accessing stable housing in the future.

“Criminal punishment serves no purpose,” said Kate Carver, Executive Director at Dumas Wesley Community Center in Mobile, AL. “Research shows that providing affordable housing is cheaper than repeatedly jailing someone. Criminalizing homelessness violates constitutional and civil rights, and it’s also traumatizing. It is already traumatizing to be sleeping in your car, and then it becomes a criminal act, and that has a multiplier effect. When you play this tape to the end, what happens? The unaffordable ticket. The arrest. The collateral consequences of that arrest. Hundreds or thousands of dollars in court fines. Taken to jail and there for weeks. Maybe losing custody of kids or losing your employment while you’re in jail. And then when you do come out, it’s harder to get a job, housing or other public benefits because you have a record.”  

“The SCOTUS decision on homelessness is really scary and troubling because I’m just one of millions of people that have experienced homelessness and having to figure out where we’re going to go, where we’re going to live and how we’re going to survive, without somebody knocking on your car door saying you can’t park here, with the fear of your children maybe being taken away,” said Joni Hendee, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Dumas Wesley Community Center in Mobile, Alabama. “Nobody chooses to become homeless. It’s an experience that one goes through.”

Serving people who are experiencing homelessness is a vital expression of faith and decency.

“We run a food distribution program, among other services,” said Renyatta Banks, Executive Director at Wesley Community Center in Portsmouth, VA. “When I started as Executive Director six years ago, a man with diabetes was living in our building. I still sometimes find people sleeping outside our building and know that some food program participants are living in their cars. These are maybe your Vietnam Vets who came home to nothing. Maybe people who lost their home in the mortgage crisis. There are so many different situations. It’s an honor, to me, that they’re here. They look at it as a safe haven.”

“God wants us to help each other,” Steve Fleming added. “I wish we had a heart of compassion for everyone, regardless of their situation, because everyone needs a little love to grow and prosper.”

“People of faith, likewise, are called to advocacy,” Jones added. “We must be vocal and active all around the country, pushing back on the criminalization of homelessness. Above all, we must continue to uphold the inherent dignity of all people.”

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United Women in Faith to Release Short Film, “Never Give Up: Cynthia and Michelle’s Faithful Fight Against Mass Incarceration”

For Immediate Release

February 16, 2024

United Women in Faith Will Host Screening and Media Call on the Impact of the Carceral System on Women

ATLANTA – United Women in Faith, the largest denominational organization for women end Black History Month and kick off Women’s History Month with a short film on the carceral system’s impact on women. “Never Give Up: Cynthia and Michelle’s Faithful Fight Against Mass Incarceration,” highlights the harrowing impact of America’s carceral system on Black women. The film was shot, produced and directed by Ania Freer, an award-winning Australian-Jamaican filmmaker and founder of Goat Curry Gallery

“Never Give Up” centers the story of Michelle Morrison, an Atlanta-based Black woman victimized by the carceral system. It weaves together her story of incarceration, the atrocities of the carceral system for women of color, and how the support of her mother, Cynthia Morrison Holland, a leader in United Women in Faith, helped her overcome the odds.

The story begins with the 2007 arrest of Michelle on felony counts of murder due to driving a friend who was involved in an altercation that resulted in homicide via gun violence. Despite not participating in the violence, Morrison was charged on 12 counts of felony murder and received a life sentence, requiring a minimum of 30 years in prison. This over-sentencing aligns with the disparities inflicted on Black women who are incarcerated at 1.6x the rate of white women, and account for one-third of the female prisoners serving life sentences.

This film shares the intimate journey of one faith-filled mother who overcomes incredible odds to win her daughter’s freedom. In doing so, Never Giving Up: Cynthia and Michelle, A Mother, A Daughter and the Faithful Fight Against Mass Incarceration invites the whole church, and especially Christian women, to join this mother-daughter duo in the ongoing work of ending mass incarceration.

The film also touches on the abuses women face in the prison system and the terrible conditions. “That place is terrible. If you don’t have a strong support system, or strong belief system, or a strong foundation in God you will rot away” explains Michelle.

But, at the end, this is a story of persistent and faithful action in the face of overwhelming injustice as lived by one mother who was committed to “never giving up” on her daughter. Despite the sentencing, Cynthia never forgot or abandoned her daughter. She supported her through her thirteen excruciating years of incarceration and ultimately secured her release by getting her daughter’s sentence reviewed and modified by a state-level integrity task force. Michelle continued her education, even throughout her incarceration, obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Life University. Michelle believes that “having a mom that stood beside me, came to see me every weekend, and never gave up meant more to more to me than anything.”

United Women in Faith is a faith-based organization that aims to help connect and nurture women through Christian spiritual formation, leadership, development, creative fellowship and education to inspire their local and global communities.

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United Women in Faith Highlights Devastating Impact of War on Women and Children, Pleads for Ceasefire and Women’s Voices and Perspectives to be Included in Peace Negotiations

For Immediate Release

Dec. 8, 2023

NEW YORK – United Women in Faith joins voices from across the world in decrying the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As an entity committed to the uplift of women, children and youth, the organization highlighted the disproportionate toll of war on women, children and youth. It urges all parties to agree to a permanent ceasefire, abide by international norms, and include women, women’s organizations and gender perspectives in peace negotiations. It also encourages all parties to prioritize the safety and well-being of women, children, and youth.

Its General Secretary and CEO, Sally Vonner, issued the following statement:

“There is no question that Gaza faces a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions. It is imperative that President Joe Biden and the U.S. Congress refrain from providing U.S. funding for the siege on Gaza. There must be a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution that promotes just and lasting peace.

“United Women in Faith condemns the violent attacks of Hamas on October 7 that caused the loss of 1,200 Israelis and other nationals, and the kidnapping of more than 200 hostages. We also condemn the Israeli government’s cutting off water, gas, electricity, goods, and supplies to Gaza. We decry the Israeli government’s large-scale air bombardment and ground invasion of hospitals, homes, schools, mosques, and houses of worship.

“As the largest denominational organization for women, United Women in Faith anchors its beliefs on The UMC Social Principles, which state, ‘As disciples of Christ, we are called to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as reconcilers of conflict. We insist that the first moral duty of all nations is to work together to resolve by peaceful means every dispute that arises between or among them. … We believe that human values must outweigh military claims as governments determine their priorities.’

“These actions place women and girls at greater risk for gender-based violence, unwanted pregnancies, and infections and disrupt access to essential resources like food, water, medicine, social services, and medical care. We must not lose sight of the physical, psychological, and spiritual impact war and instability has on women, children, and youth.” “As of December 5, 12,000 of the 16,200 Palestinians killed have been women and children, per UN Women. Over 951,490 women and girls have been displaced. Fifty thousand women in Gaza are pregnant, with over 180 giving birth each day, and many are unable to receive care or access medical resources for emergency C-sections or clean water for mixing infant formula.

“As women of faith committed to peace with justice, we are inspired by the work of Palestinian, Arab Israeli, and Jewish Israeli women who advocate for solutions that minimize bloodshed and provide a path forward. We unite our voices with Palestinian and Israeli women who have long recognized that achieving long-term peace in the region will require a negotiated political solution. The status quo of continued occupation, denial of self-determination, and intermittent war will not lead to just and lasting peace, freedom, and security for both peoples. We also join with Israeli voices who call for the repudiation of extremist language and for the Israeli government to demonstrate that it will not pursue a genocidal program against Palestinians in Gaza.

“We condemn anti-Palestinian, antisemitic, and anti-Muslim rhetoric and the resulting rise in hate crimes targeting Palestinian, Jewish, and Muslim individuals, families and communities in the United States and across the globe. We encourage our members and the broader public to actively speak out against anti-Palestinian, antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate speech and actions.

“We continue to pray fervently for just and lasting peace.”

We urge the Biden Administration and Congress to support:

● An immediate permanent ceasefire.

● Abidance of international humanitarian laws and release of all civilian hostages.

● Lifting the 16-year blockade on Gaza that has subjected 2.2 million Palestinians to collective punishment.

● Full, unhindered humanitarian access and delivery to all parts of Gaza.

● An end to providing U.S. arms to Israel and an overall arms embargo on the whole region.

● The inclusion of women, women’s organizations, and gender perspectives in peace negotiation and future resolution, complying with the global framework laid out in Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

 

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Sally Vonner Named General Secretary and CEO for Largest U.S. Denominational Organization for Women – United Women in Faith; the Tyler, TX, Native Will Be Installed in Dallas on July 29

For Immediate Release

July 13, 2023

New York, NY – United Women in Faith today announced an installation service for its new general secretary and CEO, Sally Vonner. She is a native of Tyler, Texas, and will be installed on July 29 at 3 p.m. at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas. Vonner is the second Black woman to hold the position. The first was Theressa Hoover, who served from 1968 to 1990.

“I am honored to helm a sisterhood of women who believe our love in action can change the world for good,” Vonner said. “I look forward to leaving the organization’s headquarters in New York and being among the members across the United States. I anticipate increasing our focus on service and advocacy to address the needs of women, children, and youth. I am also thrilled to help provide our members and supporters with opportunities for spiritual growth, leadership development, and transformative education about the world God so loves.”

Vonner began her term as general secretary and CEO on June 1, 2023. The organization’s May 22 board vote culminated a six-month nationwide search. But she is no stranger to United Women in Faith. Vonner joined the organization’s national staff in 2010 as Assistant General Secretary of Membership and Leadership Development. Following a reorganization in 2018, she became the Transformation Officer, coordinating the organization’s visioning and strategic development to positively impact the lives of women, children, and youth. She oversaw an organizational rebranding that opened new ways for women to join, introduced program innovations and initiatives, and rolled out United Women in Faith as the new public-facing name.

“Sally is not just a woman who knows this organization, but she is also a visionary who possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience,” said ‘Ainise ‘Isama’u, United Women in Faith board president. “She is the kind of leader who understands where we’ve been, where we are, and where we need to go.”

“Sally’s grasp of the current strategic plan will enable her to lead United Women in Faith boldly as we live out our belief that love in action can change the world,” said Cynthia Rives, board vice president. “Equally important, she brings stability in a time of change as she is 

well-grounded in our organization, knowledgeable of our history and today’s United Women in Faith.”

Vonner is ready for the new challenge.

“My primary focus is to continue and expand the mission and reach of United Women in Faith as we put our love and faith in action to improve the lives of women, children, and youth around the world,” Vonner said. “I will lead with faith and trust in God, the support of the directors, the Program Advisory Group, my colleagues and, most of all, the members of United Women in Faith.

The Tyler, Texas, native has served The United Methodist Church in several other capacities including women’s retreat leader, and jurisdictional conference delegate and alternate in 2008, 2016, and 2020 representing the North Texas Annual Conference. Vonner was an organizer for the denomination’s work on immigration assistance, community development initiatives, and work dismantling racism. She was commissioned as a U.S. missionary by the General Board of Global Ministries in 2000 to serve in the North Texas Annual Conference as the Communities of Shalom Coordinator. Vonner also served as the Associate Director of Connectional Ministries for the North Texas Annual Conference, 2005-2010.

A longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Grand Prairie, Texas, Vonner regularly attends Teaneck United Methodist Church in New Jersey, where she is a member of the local United Women in Faith group. She is an active member of the Bergen County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Vonner enjoys spending time with her adult children, Wesley and Lessie, reading, walking, and traveling.

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United Women in Faith: Supreme Court Decision in Affirmative Action Cases Gravely Disappointing; We Mourn But We Are Not Defeated

For Immediate Release

June 29, 2023

NEW YORK, NY – United Women in Faith, the largest denominational organization for women, today issued a statement regarding the Supreme Court decisions in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina. The statement can be attributed to Sally Vonner, general secretary and CEO of United Women in Faith, and Elizabeth Chun Hye Lee, director of mobilization and advocacy for United Women in Faith: 

“We are gravely disappointed in this decision, which represents a massive step backwards for racial equity. We are concerned about the immense harm this decision will have on students as well as the long-term precedent of eroding affirmative action. United Women in Faith also joins the United Methodist Church, which 

, and reiterates our support for affirmative action as an important tool in efforts to achieve equity. The resolution states:  

“The implementation of affirmative action has resulted in concrete gains for people of color and women in higher education and the corporate world. However persuasive [the alleged grounds of opposition to affirmative action] seem on the surface, they tend to slough off or to ignore the persistence of significant and widespread inequalities of opportunity affecting women, ethnic and racial persons, and persons with disabilities throughout our social system. 

From the perspective represented by The United Methodist Church, the most fundamental premise underlying the concept of affirmative action is both moral and spiritual. Concern for the disadvantaged and the oppressed is a major feature of the message of the Hebraic prophets and of Jesus. According to biblical teaching, we are mandated, in the face of inhumane discrimination—whether that discrimination is intended or unintended—to do what we can to redress legitimate grievances and to create a society in which the lives of each and all will flourish. For this fundamental reason, we reconfirm our commitment to the concept of affirmative action.” 

“We are disappointed in the decision but not surprising; there has been a long-lasting campaign against affirmative action, which exists as part of a broader current backlash to historic and present-day racial and gender justice movements. In alignment with the collective body of the United Methodist Church, United Women in Faith remains committed to the principles of affirmative action as a vital tool in advancing the civil and human rights of women, people of color, and people with disabilities, while simultaneously strengthening the fabric of our whole society and enriching the lives of all persons. We have a moral interest and a practical interest in this issue. Of the National Mission Institutions we support, 5 are HBCUs.”  

“While we are mourning today’s decision, we are not defeated by it,” said Elizabeth Chun Hye Lee, Director of Mobilization and Advocacy for United Women in Faith. “We recognize that the Supreme Court has brought both high’s and low’s for the broader movements for racial justice and gender justice. Today’s low will not be our resting place. As women of faith, we will continue to work in support of affirmative action in the church and in the world.” 

Dallas Native Named General Secretary and CEO for United Women in Faith

For Immediate Release

June 21, 2023

New York, NY – United Women in Faith (UWF) announced the election of Sally Vonner to the position of General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2023. The May 22 board vote culminated a six-month nationwide search. Vonner is a native of Dallas and will be installed in Dallas on July 29.

Ms. Vonner joined the organization’s national staff in 2010 as Assistant General Secretary of Membership and Leadership Development. Following a reorganization in 2018, she became the Transformation Officer, coordinating the organization’s visioning and strategic development to positively impact the lives of women, children, and youth. She oversaw an organizational rebranding that opened new ways for women to join, introduced program innovations and initiatives, and rolled out United Women in Faith as the new public-facing name.

“Sally is not just a woman who knows this organization but also a visionary who possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience,” said ‘Ainise ‘Isama’u, UWF board president. “She is the kind of leader who understands where we’ve been, where we are, and where we need to go.”

“Sally’s grasp of the current strategic plan will enable her to lead United Women in Faith boldly as we live out our belief that love in action can change the world,” said Cynthia Rives, board vice president. “Equally important, she brings stability in a time of change as she is well grounded in our organization, knowledgeable of our history, and today’s United Women in Faith.”

Vonner is ready for the new challenge.

“My primary focus is to continue and expand the mission and reach of United Women in Faith as we put our love and faith in action to change the world, and work to improve the lives of women, children, and youth around the world,” Vonner said. “I commit to lead with faith and trust in God, the support of the directors, the Program Advisory Group, my colleagues, and most of all, the members of United Women in Faith.

“I look forward to connecting with members, soon to be members, and The United Methodist Church family in the weeks, months, and years to come. Get ready for the awesome future God has for us.”

The Texas native has served The United Methodist Church in several other capacities including women’s retreat leader, and jurisdictional conference delegate and alternate in 2008, 2016, and 2020 representing the North Texas Annual Conference. Ms. Vonner was an organizer for the denomination’s work on immigration assistance, community development initiatives, and dismantling racism work. She was commissioned as a U.S. missionary by the General Board of Global Ministries in 2000 to serve in the North Texas Annual Conference as the Communities of Shalom Coordinator. Ms. Vonner also served as the Associate Director of Connectional Ministries for the North Texas Annual Conference, 2005-2010.

Vonner serves on the boards of The Wesley campus ministry at her alma mater Texas A&M Commerce and is vice president of the New York Justice For Our Neighbors. She is a longtime member of Black Methodists for Church Renewal at the conference, jurisdiction, and national levels. She is also part of a women’s leadership cohort with J.P. Morgan Chase’s Community Development division, since 2021.

She  is a graduate of Perkins School of Theology with a Master of Divinity and Women’s Studies Certification and Texas A&M Commerce with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

A longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Grand Prairie, Texas, she regularly attends Teaneck United Methodist Church in New Jersey, where she is a member of the local United Women in Faith group. She is an active member of the Bergen County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Vonner enjoys spending time with her adult children, Wesley and Lessie, reading, walking, and traveling.

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 United Methodist Women Is Now United Women in Faith 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 2, 2022

NEW YORK, N.Y., Mar. 2, 2022: United Methodist Women is now United Women in Faith! The move is part of a refreshing of the organization that includes a new logo and an array of new and improved programs to nurture current members and welcome new women to join to put their love in action on behalf of women, children, and youth.

The organization announced the new operating name in the March-April edition of response, its bimonthly magazine for members, and is launching the rebrand with a new website and Face Book event March 3 at 1 pm ET.

The new programs are fruits of research conducted over the past five years with more than 24,000 United Methodists and women of other Christian traditions participating in the surveys, focus groups and interviews. This input informed the prayerful discernment of staff and elected leaders.

The changes are designed to address the different needs and life stages of current members and new women and expand options for membership and engagement. The new name also aims to welcome current members whose local churches may choose to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church as well as women of other faith traditions who want to join.

New and innovative programs will be rolled out throughout 2022, including:

  • A new, easier to navigate website with a homepage designed to pique new women’s interest in United Women in Faith and a special portal set to come online later this year where members can log in to access additional resources.
  • A new “All-Access” National Membership Option enabling women to join United Women in Faith via the new website and participate online or in person at local units or larger events
  • Soul Care Retreats, a pilot recruitment program for members and their nonmember friends and new women focused on nurturing women’s bodies, minds, and spirits.
  • Innovations to Mission u, the organization’s longtime spiritual growth and transformative education program. Beginning in spring 2022, Mission u will introduce new curricula each year—one for children, one for youth and one for adults—all focused on a shared biblical theme. The new Mission u curricula will be more adaptable for use in small groups, local churches, vacation Bible schools, retreats, and other settings. Through these vibrant, relevant, justice-oriented, and biblically centered curricula, Mission u will continue its commitment to learning together for the transformation of the world and expand its impact.
  • More targeted giving options and new interactive online resources for members.

“This is an exciting time for our organization!” said Harriett Jane Olson, CEO of United Women in Faith. “Looking back, we see the through lines for our organization—faith in    God, love for each other and commitment to putting our faith into action supporting women, children, and youth. These commitments have been expressed in different ways at different times using different names, always calling women to world changing action. This combination of a new look, more accessible resources for members and new ways to participate, positions us for impact in our own journeys and in how we engage the world that God so loves.”

‘Ainise ‘Isama’u, United Women in Faith board president, said the changes express the organization’s core values in ways that will excite current members and invite new women to join us.

“I’m confident our members will be excited about these changes,” she said. “Together we are creating more opportunities for engagement with more women through new programs and updates of long-standing programs that embody our core values. Things change. People change. But God remains, and that continues to be the purpose behind everything that we do in this organization.”

The organization remains incorporated in New York as United Methodist Women and is     doing business as United Women in Faith.

United Women in Faith seeks to connect and nurture women through Christian  spiritual formation, leadership development, creative fellowship, and education  so that they can inspire, influence and impact local and global communities. 

 

 

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