Church Women United (CWU)

Church Women United is a national ecumenical Christian women's movement in the United States. It embodies a vision of unity and diversity, striving for a world of peace and justice, particularly for women and children.

History

Church Women United was established in 1941 as the United Council of Church Women (UCCW), merging three interdenominational women's groups: the Council of Women for Home Missions, the Committee on Women's Work of the Foreign Missions Conference, and the National Council of Federated Church Women. This union represented women from seventy Christian denominations. The organization was officially renamed Church Women United in 1967[1][5].

Mission

The mission of CWU is to be a racially, culturally, and theologically inclusive movement. It celebrates unity in diversity and works towards a world of peace and justice by empowering women through prayer and action[1][3]. CWU focuses on providing resources and information on social justice issues and creating opportunities for worship and action among its members.

Activities

CWU organizes four main annual worship celebrations:

• World Day of Prayer: Held on the first Friday in March, this event brings together women from 170 countries in prayer.
• Human Rights Celebration: Originally a national event in support of the UN Human Rights Day, it is now celebrated locally to honor individuals and groups working in human rights.
• May Friendship Day: Observed on the first Friday in May, it emphasizes creative and healing relationships in local communities.
• World Community Day: An event focusing on global unity and shared responsibilities[1].

Organization

Church Women United comprises over 1,200 local and state units across the United States and Puerto Rico. It represents 26 supporting denominations and organizations, fostering cooperation and solidarity among Christian women across different denominations[1]. CWU participates actively in global initiatives and supports various programs to promote peace, justice, and human rights[4].

In addition to its annual celebrations, CWU also engages in advocacy efforts and supports global initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals and the Fellowship of the Least Coin, a prayer movement for justice and reconciliation[4].