One of the realities of the church in the world’s poorest countries is that it is often the church, rather than agencies of the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund, that are closest to the people and have the trust of the people.

Some years ago, when Kristy and I visited Africa on a couple of occasions, we were greatly impressed by the work of the Mother’s Union, the worldwide Anglican organization that empowers women at the local level to be involved in mission. Lady Christine Eames, the wife of the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, was formerly the president of the worldwide Mother’s Union and has visited Virginia.

 She testifies to the power of women in small villages to bring changes. In impoverished African villages, for example, it is often the church going mothers who are the foundation rocks for the stability for family life. Working men in their 20's and 30's often migrate to the larger cities for economic reasons, leaving behind their young wives and children, who are often in the care of their grandmothers and great aunts. When these women organize co-ops to buy food, sewing clubs to mend and to make clothes, they begin to make changes that improve the lives of local people.

We are blessed in Virginia that we have very few places where the level of poverty is as severe as that in some parts of Africa. But the same phenomenon of church going women recognizing local needs and organizing to meet them is present in Virginia. The Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Virginia has long been a primary resource for the mission of the church in our congregations. The ECW is financially sophisticated--its United Thank Offering collects millions of dollars nationwide for use in mission. It is theologically sound, recognizing that all we have are gifts from God and are to be returned to God for the service of God’s people.

When I think of the ministry of women in the church, the first word that comes to my mind is "mission." What accompanies mission is commitment, welcome, hospitality, and compassion, all characteristics of women who are leaders in the church worldwide.

The New Testament evidence is that the women who accompanied Jesus throughout his ministry stayed by him at the foot of his cross while his male disciples, by in large, fled in fear. The constancy of women in mission and Anglican churches worldwide is one of the great themes of our common life. I am thankful to our ECW for so ably representing that theme in the life of the church in Virginia. Please know of my gratitude and support for that ministry.

Faithfully yours,

Peter James Lee