Feature story
Dr Brigalia Bam, a South African whose work at the WCC from 1967 to 1981 focused on women and the Programme to Combat Racism, lived through a time when the word “sexism” wasn’t even translatable—because people didn’t know what it meant.
At that time, Bam said, the word “racism” was well-understood. But as far as sexism, “people would say, ‘it’s the tradition’ and ‘it’s always been like that.’ ”
She also recalled the struggle of introducing feminist theology. “Thank goodness that today that has become an acceptable way of thinking about our situation,” she said. “It is accepted ecumenically; it is accepted also by many churches.”
Bam urged women to continue to cooperate with other women.
“We will not be able to deal as women with the problems of the world —all of them, across the board, whether it’s poverty or war—if, as women’s groups, we do not find a way of working with each other.”
She asked the women present in-person and online: "How are we occupying the leadership space? Is there something called a style or an approach that is feminine?”
Other speakers brought examples of unique approaches by women. Margarita Nelyubova, from the Moscow Patriarchate, described how the Sisters of Mercy grew as a form of lay ministry, particularly during the WCC Decade of Solidarity With Women, 1988-1998. “During the decade, Christian kindergartens and Sunday Schools opened, where again women were working,” she said.
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23 June 2025, Johannesburg, South Africa: People pose for a photo following a Pilgrimage Encounter with Gender Justice at the 2025 Central Committee meeting of the World Council of Churches taking place in Johannesburg (South Africa) from 18 to 24 June 2025 on the theme ’Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity’.
Albin Hillert/WCC
Jinqin Gu offered a perspective as a Chinese Christian, reflecting on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark document for advancing women's rights and gender equality, adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995.
“They planted seeds that continued to grow in Chinese communities and even within the Chinese churches,” she said. “It gave momentum to conversations on domestic violence, education, opportunities, and healthcare.”
In 1993, just before the conference, the Chinese Christian Council established a Commission on Women’s Work.
“Today, nearly 42% of ordained pastors in China are women and there are slightly more women students at seminaries than men students,” said Jinqin Gu. “In rural areas, traditional values still restrict women’s leadership in some congregations.”
As she moderated the discussion, Rev. Dr Henriette Hutabarat Lebang, WCC president from Asia, brought forth many reflections and examples of how WCC-led programs have helped vulnerable people.
“Today, the WCC remains the primary ecumenical organization providing support and direction for people living with HIV and AIDS,” she said, citing one of many examples.
Right Rev. Dr Vicentia Kgabe, bishop, Diocese of Lesotho, Anglican Church of Southern Africa, brought a message entitled “Moving from ‘what if’ to ‘let there be.’ ” She noted that the WCC central committee is gathering with a wounded world echoing in their hearts.
“What if our church listened not with pity but with partnership?” she asked. “Let there be trauma-informed ministry.”
When women are displaced, abused, or silenced, the image of God is defaced, she reflected. "As the World Council of Churches, you are not just mere observers, you—all of us—are a moral voice with global reach.”
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Group discussions underway as part of a Pilgrimage Encounter with Gender Justice at the 2025 Central Committee meeting of the World Council of Churches taking place in Johannesburg (South Africa) from 18 to 24 June 2025 on the theme ’Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity’.
Albin Hillert/WCC
