And here it is!
There are many ways that people demonstrate their position on issues, or where they’re from; t-shirts, flags, pins, uniforms, colours (for example, Thursdays In Black is a global campaign where we wear black in solidarity, advocating for a world without rape and any form of Gender Based Violence). Formerly we would load up our UN Grounds passes with badges and insignia of organisations and causes we support, but as those are no longer permitted, we have found other ways to communicate our stance.
During CSW, I wear my collar. A lot. Many clergy do (if we come from a collar-wearing tradition); when we are there representing our denomination or tradition, it’s a good and simple way to witness even if we don’t say a word. The context of women in a collar at these events speaks volumes.
In meetings with other advocates and civil society organisations, it situates us as to what brought us to the Commission. On Mission visits, the collar is a great conversation starter (at the Canadian Mission reception, for example, more than one person looked at me and asked – “Anglican?”).
In sessions, it serves to quickly identify who we are and who we represent. In the current political climate, it’s especially important to identify as faithful feminists (not as part of the growing anti-rights movement). Often in sessions we endeavour to ask panelists how they engage with Faith-Based Organisations to work against the anti-gender and anti-rights movement.
Because there are many agencies and organisations wishing to partner with people of faith; we are constantly finding new ways to align values and priorities.
(An aside, this is where ecumenical connections become so helpful, as we share vast knowledge and experience through amazing people who have collectively been in this forum for decades, and whose ministry spans the globe in ways that far exceed any one denominational capability)
After one session where we did not get the chance to ask our question in plenary, one of the speakers approached us, commenting on the positive influence of having female clergy in the session. It had become apparent that we were not there to disrupt the session, but to learn from it and support the good work that was being shared. (There were a distressing amount of individuals this year who were there to protest equal rights, especially around sexual and reproductive health.) We had a most intriguing conversation with these staff, who have requested ongoing conversation and collaboration; an opportunity that may not have otherwise come up.
Being easily identified as clergy also opened up a number of conversations where people asked for a blessing, or for prayer, or to speak with us about things that were weighing on their hearts. CSW is normally a time of heavy topics, and this year’s discussions seemed heavier than normal (given the emphasis from some nation states to push back women’s rights); many strangers simply stopped us from time to time for a brief moment of holy connection with us and God.
Perception matters: in a context and climate where the some are claiming their religiosity as an excuse for hatred, oppression, and division, we chose to ensure it was a symbol of acceptance, advocacy, and solidarity. Our faith calls us to stand for peace and justice, and what a blessing to carry and share that reminder in a small collar.
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