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Women of the UMC

Musicians lead singing during a worship service at UMW Assembly in 2014. File photo by Paul Jeffrey.

As leaders, teachers, missionaries, and organizers, women have shaped the history of Methodism. In their work with the poor and disenfranchised, women have initiated important social and political reform. Roughly 800,000 members belong to United Methodist Women, and approximately 25% of clergy in The United Methodist Church are female.

We invite you to explore the inspiring stories of women who have made important contributions to the life of the church, as well as ideas to help nurture your own participation and witness.

Women participate in a UMW assembly in 2010. File photo courtesy of United Methodist Communications.
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Who We Are

United Methodist Women's Quiz

March is Women's History Month in the U.S. Take our short quiz to learn more about some of the pioneering females who changed the world.

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Hymn writer Fanny Crosby, circa 1915. Image in the public domain.
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Who We Are

Fanny Crosby: Legendary Methodist Hymn Writer

Despite being blind, she penned "Blessed Assurance" and "Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross" and wrote more hymns than Charles Wesley.

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Women of Today

Women in History

  • Historic photo of Susan Angeline Collins, taken in Los Angeles, California. Collins served as a Methodist missionary in Africa for 31 years. Image courtesy of the General Commission on Archives and History.

    Who We Are

    African American Woman's Incredible Life as a Methodist Missionary
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  • Donna Miller of Historic St. George's United Methodist Church in Philadelphia points out images of Ann and Anna Jarvis at the church. Video image by United Methodist Communications.

    Who We Are

    Methodist History: The Founding Mothers of Mother's Day
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  • 1800's photo portrays Belle Harris Bennett, co-founder of Scarritt-Bennett College in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo courtesy of the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History.

    Who We Are

    Notable Methodist Women: Scarritt-Bennett's Outspoken Founder
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  • Speculative portrait of Annie Sweitzer by Richard C. Douglas, New Windsor, Maryland. Artwork courtesy of Richard C. Douglas and the Strawbridge Shrine Association.

    Who We Are

    Methodist History: Slave welcomed as one of first members
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  • Who We Are

    Courage and conviction: A woman's leadership through a difficult time
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