Hollering for Change: Black clergywomen support one another


Hollering for Change is the name of a series of commentaries by The Rev. Dr. Tori Butler for United Methodist News. Graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News. 

In this episode of “Hollering for Change,” the Rev. Dr. Tori Butler speaks with the leadership team of the Black Clergywomen of The United Methodist Church, which held its annual meeting July 31-Aug. 2 in Washington, D.C. The caucus is celebrating its 20th year of connecting, equipping and supporting Black clergywomen in all types of appointments and extension ministry.

View related video, Hollering for Change: Self-care and the “ministry of rest”

Read related report on the Black Clergywomen of The United Methodist Church caucus gathering in Washington July 31-Aug. 2, Attendees of Black clergywomen’s event encouraged to ‘Be You’

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Faith Stories
Bishop Tracy S. Malone (far right) celebrates her oldest daughter’s wedding in 2023. From left are bride Alexis Malone Woolery and her sister, Ashley Malone Brown. Bishop Malone’s daughters say they have something special planned this year on Mother’s Day, since the day coincides with Woolery’s graduation and Woolery is the mother of a 1-year-old son. Photo by Sekoprince Studios.

Bishops’ children shed light on life with their moms

The daughters of four United Methodist episcopal leaders share what life is like when their mothers are the leaders of hundreds of churches.
Church History
The Methodist Church’s 1956 General Conference meets from April 25 to May 7 in the municipal auditorium in Minneapolis. On May 4, the first Friday of the legislative assembly, the delegates voted to make women eligible for full clergy rights. “Now it is up to us to prove in clear and deep witness to the whole church our consecration and our loyal devotion to the work of the Kingdom of God,” said Margaret Henrichsen, a General Conference visitor, after the vote. In 1967, she became the first U.S. woman appointed district superintendent. Photo courtesy of Archives and History.

Why the 1956 women-clergy vote matters

Seventy years ago, the Methodist Church supported full conference membership for women clergy — a decision that would have a resounding impact when The United Methodist Church formed in 1968 and even today.
Social Concerns
Deborah Bass opens the 59th General Meeting of Black Methodists for Church Renewal in Charlotte, N.C., on March 18, with her national chairperson’s address. She urged members of the caucus to fight injustice with faith, compassion and courage. Photo by John W. Coleman, UM News.

Black caucus wrestles with immigration injustice

The leader of Black Methodists for Church Renewal urged members gathered for the United Methodist group’s annual meeting to respond to current challenges in the church and society with “faith, compassion, justice and prophetic courage.”

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved