Open to all: S.C. United Women in Faith, MenNMinistry leaders issue…

By Jessica Brodie

As the denomination evolves, questions arise: are South’s Carolina’s United Women in Faith and United Methodist Men (MenNMinistry) only open to United Methodists?

The conference’s leaders want all to know their organizations are all-inclusive, open to all people regardless of denomination or any other presumed limitation.

While both are steeped in United Methodism, their work—just like God’s church—is about Jesus and transformation and goes beyond denominational boundaries.

As Kenny Bingham, South Carolina MenNMinistry president, said, “The South Carolina MenNMinistry is and has always been an all-inclusive organization. We invite speakers from many faiths to speak at our annual conference. Our only mission is to transform the lives of the men of South Carolina to become better husbands, fathers, brothers, uncles, grandfathers and most of all, better Christians. Our meetings are all open to every man in South Carolina no matter what their church affiliation is or lack thereof. Jesus healed all who came to him and never ask them anything just as we should do. Everyone is welcome.”

Likewise, Clarice Blakeney, president of the South Carolina Conference United Women in Faith, said much the same, inviting all to join their group.

“Membership in United Women in Faith is open to spiritual women of all faiths,” Blakeney said. “The mission of United Women in Faith is we seek to connect and nurture women through Christian spiritual formation, leadership development, creative fellowship and education so they can inspire, influence and impact local and global communities.

“We are an organization that is committed to mission and helping others in need. Our foremothers started this organization 155 years ago to help women, children and youth who were suffering. Today United Women in Faith has over 300,000 members and is open to increasing our membership to over 500,000.”

She added, “We are an equal, diverse and inclusive group, not just United Methodist, and many events are open to women and men. Our purpose says it all: We shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship and expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.”

Blakeney said throughout the years, they have worked with Church Women United, University Women and many other groups on social and racial issues that are crucial in this society.

“We are here to serve and assist those in need,” she said. “Please join the sisterhood that is acting in faith to tackle the hard work of the world without hesitation.”

All women are welcome to join with other units in their area or may start a circle or unit. They may also join as an All Access member or start a group (email [email protected]).