It is propitious that this special issue of America falls on the day after the anniversary of the Women’s March, a signal moment in the nation’s history. Who was not moved by the grassroots cry of millions for justice that was made on Jan. 21, 2017?
America’s editors continue to oppose legal abortion, an unfortunate inclusion in the official platform of that march. But we stand in solidarity with every woman and man (more than five million) who marched a year ago against some of the basest offenses of a sexist culture. Their witness was a reminder that Americans still have a chance to change their culture.
The sins of sexism include but are not limited to sexual abuse; they also include the objectification of women; the denial of human rights on sexist or religious grounds; the economic marginalization of women, especially immigrant women; and the ubiquitous harassment in the workplace that women have endured for so many years in silence.
The march’s rallying call last January became even more poignant in the year that followed. Many men in positions of power have been called to account by the ongoing #MeToo movement, and there will no doubt be many more.
The nation has begun a difficult and critical conversation on the abuse of power and women in the workplace. It is a discourse that cannot be limited to Hollywood and Washington, and it is one that must soon be translated into significant, practical change.
I so hope a conversation begins in the church as well. Women are marginalized in church to a greater degree than in the larger society.