The Fourth Mark of Mission

To seek to transform unjust structures of society . . . .

—Lois Frankforter
President of Girls Friendly Society USA

To attain the transformation sought by the Fourth Mark of Mission our ministry must focus on all levels of society – from national governments, to local communities, and even to the individuals we meet as we walk down the street. The Episcopal Church seeks to transform global social structures by participating in United Nations (UN) events like the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). In March, I had the privilege to serve as a member of the Presiding Bishop’s CSW Delegation, and to advocate for specific policy changes to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Our faith based advocacy centered on the Presiding Bishop’s call for governments and civil society to:

• Prioritize resources and programs for marginalized groups of rural women and girls,
• Extend access to basic resources and services to rural areas,
• Address environmental concerns and extend land rights, and
• Promote gender equality education and practices and eradicate gender-based violence

The two weeks were filled with formal UN assemblies and panel discussions, side and parallel events, and opportunities to gather in worship with the Anglican Communion Women and the Ecumenical Women delegates. At our opening Eucharist Bishop Curry reminded us that “You have come to the seat of the nations of the earth to encourage our leaders and to show them how to end the nightmare and realize the dream [God has] for all of us.”

The Girls Friendly Society (GFS), since its inception over 140 years ago, has been at the forefront of social justice issues. At our 2017 World Council, GFS adopted a global Gender Violence Awareness Program designed to raise awareness of the issue and to take action to end the violence. Building on the UN campaign, GFS members resolved to dedicate the 25th of every month as #orangeday by wearing the color orange and speaking out on the issue, including posting information and resources on social media. In South Africa, GFS launched educational programs to foster a dialogue for girls and boys on gender issues that affect them. In England, GFS took to the malls to hand out oranges and speak to individuals about gender equality. In the USA members, like our National Youth Delegate Catherin Sopko, deliver Sunday sermons to area parishes, and other members in their TAKE ACTION t-shirts decorate their churches with orange ribbons and educational posters.

My time at the UN CSW and my participation in GFS reinforces that “The Mission is Global, the Work is Local” and that it is going to take all of us putting our faith in action to transform society and realize the dream that God dreams for the world.