The crucible of the Women’s Rights movement, July 2023 marked the 175th anniversary of the first Women’s Rights Convention. The Declaration of Sentiments was read for the first time in the Wesleyan Chapel that’s now part of Women’s Rights National Historical Park.

75 years later, in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church on Cayuga Street, Alice Paul stood behind the pulpit calling for the Equal Rights Amendment in July 1923. At 100 years old, despite having been ratified by 38 states, the ERA still waits to be certified as the 28th amendment to the Constitution. It will be the first that names the equal rights of women in the United States of America.

In the Reformed Church in America, we’re celebrating 50 years of women in ordained ministry. As the Spirit moves through their lives and their leadership, our faith and courage grows and thrives. Through our church and our community, we boldly envision a future that breaks free from sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism and every bias that seeks to tear us apart.

I was proud to represent Room for All and assist in the planning of ARISE, a feminist Interfaith service held in the First Presbyterian Church. Led by Allyson McKinney Timm, the Founder and Executive Director of Justice Revival, we sang, meditated, reflected and spoke words of hope and encouragement to one another in that space. You can read Justice Revival’s Interfaith Statement of Support for the ERA here.

In honor of these three anniversaries, we joyfully celebrate the work and accomplishments of women, and all those engaged in the work of intersectional gender justice.