A study on the state of partnership between women and men in the Guyana Congregational Union (GCU) was completed by Aileen Grainger.
The study sought to determine the state of gender partnership in GCU member churches. Partnership is defined as a relationship between women and men, grounded in mutual love, respect and understanding in the sharing of equal rights and responsibilities for the community's benefit.
Data was collected from questionnaires, interviews and two statistical documents to provide information on six areas: membership, leadership and training, organisations, church life, ministry and mission, and needs and issues in Church and society. Using random sampling techniques ensured that churches in the GCU's nine geographical areas were involved.
The results
Women outnumber men by seven to two. While most women members are aged 46 to 55, men are between 56 and 65 years of age. So more men, especially young ones, are needed for the church to reflect society more accurately.
Partnership at GCU executive level is almost equal. Although no woman has held the positions of chair or general secretary in the last eight years, one principal officer is female. There are an equal number of male and female pastors on the GCU executive, which shows that women are given recognition and respect in holding positions traditionally regarded as male preserves.
Women lead practically all GCU organisations and committees. They also make good preachers and leaders, a fact underlined by previous CWM research on blocks to women's participation.
However, men control the finances and building work. The perception of women as poor managers of finance and building must be changed, and men should accept greater responsibility by leading some organisations and committees.
Women are more involved than men in ministry and mission and in church life. They also play traditional roles in preparing and serving snacks, cleaning and decorating the church, and are the main fundraisers. More men should be involved in such activities.
There are many social and economic issues causing grave concern, such as the absence of regular counselling services and a reliable AIDS programme in GCU churches, the lack of youth employment opportunities, rising crime, teenage pregnancies, school drop-outs, Sunday work and getting youths to attend church.
The church uses formal and informal methods, such as seminars, workshops and discussions, to sensitise its members about such social problems. While these have had some success, they are inadequate to deal with today's complex problems. The church must play a more dynamic role to address the needs of women and men in church and society.
Conclusion
Genuine partnership does not exist at all levels of the GCU's work. It is unequal in membership, organisations and church life. Women are expected to shoulder church responsibilities through various organisations and committees. Men play a marginal role, traditional in nature. This situation must be addressed.
However, partnership is evident in training and leadership, and to some extent in ministry and mission.