9.15.2009

Trafficking and Exploitation of Women and Children

I just returned from a conference 'enlightening' us on the reality of Human Trafficking. It is surprising to learn how much goes on here in the United States. Of course, those trafficked are mostly women and children. I believe that one of the reasons it is so commonplace to traffic young girls and women is that there is such a low value placed on the female person. One of the chapters in our study guide was on the biblical foundation for the church's response to this evil. Another was on the biblical basis for valuing women. Although I found the text helpful for discussion, I found it also somewhat disturbing that such a chapter would even be necessary. It, of course, makes me think about how the low valuation of women is also a reason why people oppose Women in Ministry. Another interesting thought to contemplate don't you think?
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7 comments:

  1. WesleySeptember 22, 2009 at 12:42 PM

    This is my first time responding to your blog, but I have been following on and off since I saw it listed in some denominational materials. I would have to say the suggestion that a low estimation of women leads to the opposition of their participation in ministry is quite a charge to lay at the feet of those who believe differently than you do on this matter. Perhaps it would be true of some, but at best it sounds like a generalization.

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  2. Sharon Butcher WestfallSeptember 22, 2009 at 3:55 PM

    Wesley,
    Thanks for reading my blog and for taking the time to respond. You are absolutely correct. I should have qualified the statement more clearly that this may be one of the reasons people oppose the participation of women in ministry.
    Please continue the conversation!

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  3. WesleySeptember 22, 2009 at 4:34 PM

    I must admit I remain unconvinced of the role women have in the ordained ministry. Since this is mostly what your blog is designated for, I feel it is not really my place to espouse my beliefs in your forum. Unless, of course, you are interested to know what I believe-which I must say is not much at all what I have heard given as most of the reasons other people hesitate at the thought of women being ordained. Anyway, I would be happy to "continue the conversation" but out of respect for what you are doing here, perhaps I should not. My only purpose in posting to begin with was that I felt, as one who sits on the other side of this issue, that I was being lumped into a group I am certain I have nothing to do with...that is those who have a low estimation of women. Anyway, I would be happy to engage in an open conversation about the matter, if you so desire...

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  4. Sharon Butcher WestfallSeptember 29, 2009 at 7:02 PM

    Wesley,
    Thanks so much for your consideration. I really appreciate it. However, I would welcome your opinion. I am sure you will be respectful as you state your opinion knowing that this is a forum advocating Women in Ministry, particularly those in the Wesleyan Church.

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  5. WesleySeptember 30, 2009 at 11:25 AM

    Thank you for your encouragement. So much of the discussion surrounding women in ministry seems to be focussed strictly on the ordnination of women and not just on whether or not they can be involved in ministry in general. I think there is a significant difference. I have written an essay detailing my response to the Position Statement of the Wesleyan Church on this matter. I could send it to you personally if you are interested in knowing more of my thoughts that would be too long to explain here and that might be better for private reading. However, I would mention that I would be interested to hear your response to what C.S. Lewis wrote in an article called "Priestesses In the Church?". It is relatively short and published in "God In the Dock". I found his comments interesting and coming from a perspective I had not before considered.

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  6. Sharon Butcher WestfallSeptember 30, 2009 at 3:57 PM

    I would very much appreciate the opportunity to read your response to the position statement. If you are on Facebook, you can find me there and we can figure out how to get your paper through FB. If not, I am not sure how to get in contact with you. Any ideas?
    Is C. S. Lewis's article online?

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  7. WesleyOctober 1, 2009 at 8:15 AM

    I found the article online. It is at http://www.allsaintstubac.org/priestess%20in%20the%20church.pdf

    I did not read it in its entirety there, but it seems to mirror what I see in the book.

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