Feature story
The World Council of Churches in its recent 30th anniversary commemoration consultation on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action noted that “gender justice cannot exist without the transformation of power”; and advocated “for survivor-led pastoral ministries, and ... for legislation that upholds the dignity and protection of women and girls.”
Bishop Susan C. Johnson, former national bishop of Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, attended CSW70 and represented the WCC. Bishop Johnson, who serves on the WCC central and executive committees, moderates the WCC Public Issues Committee, is a WCC Gender Justice Reference Group member, and is a Thursdays in Black ambassador, asserted: “We are experiencing pushback in so many parts of the world,” but [she is] “re-energized and inspired by being with thousands of people who are committed to gender justice” despite the challenges.
She invited everyone to “pray for all women who are marginalized and pray for strength to continue in this important work.”
