Explanation

When the position commonly referred to as the “Women’s Desk” was eliminated, The Episcopal Church lost a place for women to go to when seeking assistance with gender equality issues. There was no longer a repository of data regarding gender equality, a human “dashboard” of programs for gender equality, or a place to ask a question regarding women in the church. Though other positions are still in existence; a position dedicated to women’s issues has never been recreated. Throughout this triennium, the Task Force to Study Sexism in The Episcopal Church and Develop Anti-Sexism Training continually found the need for a more consolidated effort on data around women’s issues. From the lack of gender data on lay leadership, to templates to equitable search processes, to how to find support for gender equality, there is no central location or person coordinating these areas. We are asking dioceses to create plans for gender equality, but there is no staff to assist them. If we want to disrupt sexism, we must create a coordinated response along with accurate data. The Episcopal Church is committed to gender equality, and therefore should fund a staff person, not only to show their commitment, but to help empower women within the church.