Black clergywomen are poineers of the United Methodist Church who continue to significantly contribute to making disciples and spreading the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their stories are inspiring illustrations of the Holy Spirit at work in ordinary people who said yes to ordained ministry.
Black clergywomen have endured many challenges and injustices in the predominately White male vocation. However, they have also experienced accomplishments and victories, despite the opposition, that were made possible by the intervening power of God through prayer, hard work, perseverence, and the efforts of other women and men of various races and cultures in the United Methodist Church, other faith persuasions, and members of the greater society. Black clergywomen have been able to facilitate spiritual, numerical, and financial growth in Black and White churches under their leadership.
Black clergywomen have endured many individual, institutional, and systemic acts of racism, sexism, and ageism while being subjected to economic discrimination. They often fight for equality of others in our society while being denied those same rights in the church. Their continuance exemplifies their commitment to be the embodiment of Christ-love to all people.
The United Methodist Church has intensified their commitment to dismantle racism, but the question still remains, "How will the specific dismantling of racism, sexism, ageism, classism, and economic discrimination, against Black clergywomen, be addressed?"
STORIES: Bishop Linda Lee, Rev. Dr. Josephine Whitely-Fields, Rev. Dr. Tara Sutton, Bishop Tracy Malone, Rev. Cheryl Bell, Bishop Sharma Lewis, Rev. Edna Morgan, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, Rev. Ella DeDeaux

Josephine Whitely-Fields retired after forty years of ministry. She pastored churches in three states, ministered as the Director of Missions and Outreach in the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference, was Founder and CEO of four 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Corporations, served as Associate Dean of Doctoral Studies and Adjunct Faculty at United Theological Seminary. She earned a PhD in Formative Spirituality, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Formative Spirituality, Master of Arts in Religion, and an equivalent Doctor of Dental Medicine.