Horizons magazine is published by Presbyterian Women (PW) the national women’s organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
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sends the theological message that God loves boys more than girls. Invisibility I n addition to traditional gender roles, sexual objectification, and exclusively sexist language, microaggressions directed at women also take the form of invisibility, as illustrated by the woman who was shocked to learn that all the other deacons are men. One need only look at church leadership, ministerial staff, denominational lead- ership and seminary professors and notice how many women are present. The invisibility or near-invisibility of women—again, especially women of color and LGBTQ women—sends a theological message. Even if it conflicts with the organization's mission, mes- sage and branding, when an organiza- tion has a lack of women in leadership, it communicates that the organization does not truly value women. Assumed Inferiority Finally, the church and our wider society are infamous for assuming women's inferiority, as indicated by the comment about the pastor being the "best woman preacher." Adding the modifier of "woman" assumes that women simply can't be as good at preaching as men. As with some of the other statements, it was likely intended as a compliment by a well- intentioned person who is proud of having a female pastor. Recognizing and Moving Past Microaggressions In addition to their ambiguity and regularity, the power of microaggres- sions is magnified in that the perpe- trators are often thoughtful individuals who do not intend harm. The people saying and doing many of these things aren't jerks bent on bind- ing women into girdles in oppressive kitchens locked to progress. Most often, they are individuals who fail to recognize their privilege. They say words and do things without realizing the underlying messages they are sending. "Well, how am I supposed to know whether I'm perpetrating a microaggression?" you may wonder. Asking this question is a good start! We begin to confront this violence by examining our own privileges and unchecked assumptions, admitting when we've hurt others—even if it wasn't our intention—and learning about the power of microaggressions to harm. Psychologists claim that individu- als victimized by microaggressions often experience stress, anxiety, and even physical ailments. These arise from constantly having to question o thers' motives and their own sensi- tivities, and dealing with feelings of being invalidated and undermined. When these microaggressions occur in a church—a place that is supposed to be safe, welcoming and affirming for all people—the hurts aren't just psychological and physical. The vio- lence is also spiritual. The context and language of religion can intensify the impact of microaggressions. Confronting the violence of every- day church isn't easy. It's painful. It involves admitting when we're wrong and acknowledging our privileges. I know it hasn't been easy for me, but if we want to claim that "All Are Welcome" in our churches and faith communities, we must ensure that all truly feel welcome. Angela Yarber has been a clergywoman since 1999. She holds a Ph.D. in Art and Religion from the Graduate Theological Union and is author of six books that address the intersections among religion, gender/sexuality, and the arts. A professional artist, she has also taught in seminaries since 2006. For more on her publications, art, or ministry, please visit www.angelayarber.com January/February 2016 9 Resources Microaggressions in Ministry: Confronting the Violence of Everyday Church By Cody Sanders and Angela Yarber Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2015 This book provides examples and tools for ministry leaders who are grappling with microaggressions in preaching, religious education, worship, spirituality, pastoral care and counseling. It is also a valuable resource for lay people looking to eliminate microaggressions and bias from their communications with others. Words Matter* www.pcusa.org/resource/words-matter This manual helps small groups explore the interplay between language and power. The workshop invites participants to share their stories about how exclusive language can be oppressive and how expansive language can embody a life-affirming hospitality within the church and community. *While the program around this resource is no longer supported by the National Council of Churches, small groups are still welcome to use and distribute the resource with proper credit. A