Reflections from Members of the Extraordinary Ordination Work Area

Current and former members of the EOWA describe what they enjoy about this work

Susan Morrison writes:

What do I enjoy about the EOWA?

Over the years, I have enjoyed working with a variety of CWACM members on the EOWA who are committed to offering ordination to those who, for the most part, have been abused, violated and discriminated against by their own denomination. We have been a safe place where people who have experienced such hurts, especially because of their l,g,b,t,q,i orientation, can find a safe place to tell their story and begin a healing process. As CWACM clergy, these very people get to live out their calling and use their gifts in the ministry of their choice. By being a part of the ordination process, I have been blessed to know and appreciate all of our clergy. They are inspiring ambassadors for CWACM.

What do I love about the work that I do within CWACM?

Known as "the grandmother" of the Movement, because of my investment in its ministries from its beginning, I have loved living with the birth, early years, growing pains, and decision making moments of this beloved community. It has become my faith community, the place where I own my white privilege and racism; the organization that has inspired me to act for justice; and the home of many meaningful friendships. In the words of Dag Hammarskjold, "For all that has been THANKS. For all that will be YES."

Vicki Woods writes:

What do you enjoy about the team?

The Work Area for me has been joyful and difficult, bold and brave, disruptive and grace-filled. I enjoy being part of a team committed to examining candidates who are seeking an Extraordinary Ordination in order to serve a broken church and broken world. Ordaining persons who support and are accountable to the mission and core values of CWACM is an amazing task. I enjoy hearing the vision, the hope, the theology and journey of those seeking ordination. It is also a gift to hear the stories and journey of our CWACM clergy.

What do you love about the work of CWACM?

First, I want to confess I do not love all the work I share in CWACM. However, there is much I love and am so grateful for in the work. The Summits have been an opportunity to learn and expand my knowledge and awareness of so many areas of our justice agendas such as the spectrum of identity and the need to disrupt binary attitudes, what it means to be white, my racist and anti-racist behaviors, religious violence, and so much more. I love the people, the challenge, and the opportunities I find in no other place than CWACM.

Colleen Riley writes:

What do you enjoy about the team?

The EOWA is great about finding creative ways to incorporate the needs of those who come to us exploring ordination. We make changes to our policy/procedure documents to reflect the way the movement has evolved. I love working with the team because of the sensitivity, caring and thoughtful discussion that happens and we work together to make changes or to understand the needs of our candidates for ministry and our clergy. There is an intentionality and cohesiveness about our work that is respectful and energizing. We are like a mini community within the community because of our close work together on behalf of folks who are seeking safe space and affirmation for their call to a ministry of justice. Personally, I feel the caring of others in the work area for my own life experiences and that I can reach out and have a listening ear from any one of the members. There is great cooperation and willingness among each person to take on part of the work in our shared leadership.

What do you love about the work you you do within CWACM?

I love that I get to hear stories from people all over the country and beyond who are seeking safe space, and a welcoming alliance as they explore a path that may be what they are seeking toward ordination. It is rewarding to feel that my work in EOWA can have a part in a person's spiritual journey. There is an intimacy formed in accompanying a person through the process. The work of reading the documents a candidate submits for the ordination process is an enriching and profound one.

The word I think that best describes what I love about working with EOWA is depth. A depth of spirituality among members and candidates that is so enriching through our caring interactions.

For me this work has been a ministry in and of itself.