March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the contributions, leadership, and resilience of women throughout history. For progressive Christian communities, this month provides an opportunity to reflect on the powerful role women have played in faith, social justice, and ministry. It’s also a time to commit to gender equity in the church and beyond.

How can progressive Christian churches meaningfully celebrate Women’s History Month? Here are some creative and faith-centered ways to recognize and honor the contributions of women in the church and the world.

1. Highlight Women’s Voices in Worship

Throughout the month of March, consider centering women’s voices in worship. This can include:

• Preaching from biblical passages that highlight women’s leadership, such as Deborah (Judges 4-5), Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18), or the women who supported Jesus’ ministry (Luke 8:1-3).
• Inviting women from the congregation or community to preach, share testimonies, or lead prayers.
• Singing hymns and worship songs written by women, such as those by Fanny Crosby, Shirley Erena Murray, or Ruth Duck.

2. Host a Women’s History Month Study Series

Consider hosting a Bible study or discussion series focusing on the role of women in Scripture and Christian history. Topics might include:

• Women in the early church and their contributions to theology.
• The role of women in social justice movements, such as the abolitionist movement, suffrage, and civil rights.
• Feminist and womanist theology, exploring how faith intersects with gender justice.

These discussions can be a great opportunity to learn and reflect on the church’s ongoing role in gender justice.

3. Support Women in Your Community

Celebrating Women’s History Month is not just about remembering the past but also uplifting women in the present. Churches can:

• Partner with local organizations that support women’s rights, such as shelters for survivors of domestic violence or programs for women experiencing homelessness.
• Highlight and support women-owned businesses in the community.
• Offer a special blessing or recognition for the women in your congregation who serve in leadership, caregiving, or advocacy roles.

4. Create a Visual Celebration of Women in Church History

Consider putting together a display in your church showcasing the contributions of women in Christian history. This could include figures like:

• Hildegard of Bingen – a medieval mystic, composer, and theologian.
• Sojourner Truth – an abolitionist and preacher who connected faith with justice.
• Dorothy Day – co-founder of the Catholic Worker movement.
• Pauli Murray – the first Black woman ordained as an Episcopal priest and a pioneering civil rights leader.

This display can spark conversations about how women have shaped faith communities over time.

5. Advocate for Gender Justice in the Church and Beyond

Women’s History Month is also a time to reflect on the ongoing work for gender equality. Churches can:

• Examine and address any gender disparities in leadership roles within their own community.
• Educate about issues affecting women today, such as the gender wage gap, maternal healthcare, and gender-based violence.
• Engage in advocacy efforts that support women’s rights at local and national levels.

By celebrating Women’s History Month in these ways, progressive Christian churches can honor the past, engage the present, and work toward a more just and equitable future.