AN OPEN LETTER
Lorna Barth

To the Preachers and Male teachers of the Churches of Christ:

Dear Sirs: It is with all honor and respect that I write this open letter concerning an important, current issue in the Churches of Christ. I have been a member of the Church of Christ for 30 years and active as a teacher, wife, mother, daughter, and sister. The issue I address is the use of sexist language and language reflected from the pulpit and from classes. I hope you will patiently hear me out, for this is vitally important to the women and young girls in your congregations.

The offenses may seem small but they are constant and widespread. As an example, in one Sunday morning adult class when we had just finished an excellent lesson on faith, the male teacher started telling “funny” jokes. One went this way: “Course women outlive men. We men work all our lives supporting them, no wonder they live longer!” This was followed by nods and Ha, Ha’s. I realize this may be deemed a small matter, but like water torture where the drops keep adding up these putdowns begin to hurt after awhile.

There are several reasons why statements of this nature are harmful in both the assembly and in classes. One, since such jokes would not be tolerated if they were directed against some race or color, they are for the same reason hurtful when directed against women. Second, since women are not allowed to speak in church these sarcasms and jokes are particularly unfair, for we have no way of responding to the subtle abuse. We are expected to sit there in silence and politely smile. This distracts from the purpose of the worship assembly.

If your sermon requires you to poke fun at women as a form of humor, I suggest you revise your sermon or find some other source of humor. It is not cute and it is not funny and it is not necessary. When a woman is made uncomfortable by such abuse as this, she should respectfully leave the assembly or the class and find a quiet place elsewhere in the building where she can quietly meditate upon the word of God in peace. Otherwise the woman has to remain silent in a setting where she feels put down and is not edified.

Are not the words of this male apostle appropriate to the issue I raise? “Grant her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life. . . To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kind-hearted, and humble in spirit.” (l Peter 3:7-8)

(I would like to hear from other Christians, men and women alike, on this issue. My address is Box 105, Duvall, Wa. 98019.)