The first time I visited the famed historical site for women’s rights in Seneca Falls, New York, my emotions surprised me. The Women’s Rights National Historical Park is where the first Women’s Rights Convention took place. There, in the summer of 1848, suffragettes, abolitionists, and other 19th-century reformers gathered to fight for civil rights, human rights, and equality.
Before my visit, I had studied the “Declaration of Sentiments” written by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. This manifesto described women's grievances and demands and called on women to fight for their equal rights. I thought of how courageous these women were amid a culture that limited their personhood by preventing them from voting, owning land, or acting independently. These thoughts overwhelmed me.
When I stood in front of the small brick wall, the remains of the Wesleyan Chapel where the first meeting took place in 1848, unexpected tears rolled down my face. This significant historical moment in the United States has had an important impact on my faith heritage.
In 1853, shortly after the 1848 Seneca Falls event, Antoinette Brown became the first woman to be ordained in the United States. She was ordained by Luther Lee, the founder of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. I connected with her story as a woman in ministry.
Through further study, it became evident that the fight for women’s rights was not just a social movement, but one grounded in scripture and the will of God. We are all created in the image of God, designed to do His work, and called to bring hope and healing to a broken world. No one is unqualified to do the will of God, despite what society may say.
During the early 1900s, the call for women to preach, minister, and lead was prevalent. Seth C. Rees was one of the founders of the new Wesleyan Church. He made this statement in a booklet he wrote:
“Nothing but jealousy, prejudice, bigotry, and a stingy love for bossing in men have prevented woman’s public recognition by the church. No church that is acquainted with the Holy Ghost will object to the public ministry of women. We know scores of women who can preach the Gospel with a clearness, a power, and an efficiency seldom equaled by men. Sisters, let the Holy Ghost fill, call and anoint you to preach the glorious Gospel of our Lord.”
My heritage sounded a call in my soul when I read those words—but I must admit, I would probably be removed from the pulpit if I made that statement publicly today. However, as I think of the context in which Rees wrote those words, I realize they must have been even more radical then! Our early leaders were serious about women’s value and contribution to the church and society.
Our world needs more courageous leaders who live according to scripture and apply the lessons of our rich history. We should encourage women to live to their full potential and lead at all levels of society and the church—just as God intended.
Click here for more information on women's rights in a Wesleyan Church.