Dear Lifetouch,
My name is Tara Paul and I am an ordained elder in the North
Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church and serve as my conference
representative for COSROW (Committee on the Status and Role of Women). While I
serve on COSROW, I am not writing this in my official capacity on the
Conference Advocacy Team, but as a concerned clergy woman.
Last Sunday night, delegates from my district gathered to
review the information for Annual Conference. One of the pieces shared with us
was an advertisement for clergy pictures to be taken during Annual Conference.
This advertisement is the reason for my letter to you today.
We are presented with images on a daily basis that reflect
values, viewpoints, theology and ideology. These images are intentional, though
the person who encounters these images often is not aware of all of that is
behind each image. Almost always these images are manipulated in order to
elicit some sort of response. I imagine that none of this comes as a surprise
to you.
As I looked through my packet of information and came across
the flyer for pictures by LifeTouch, I was taken aback by the two images of
clergy that were presented. The closer, more prominent image was of a
confident, warm smiling man. His face is prominent and it is inviting. The
image positioned behind the male was of a small woman, body away from the
camera, arms folded, glasses hiding her eyes and no warmth radiating. She was
not only physically in the background but you could feel her distance. These
two images juxtaposed revealed a strong man and a weak woman.
As a female clergy, this image startled and saddened me. More
and more women are saying yes to the call of God on their lives and yet the
struggle to be seen as equal continues. Images where the female clergy are
shown as reserved and submissive influence the theology in our churches and
impacts how effective women can be. Positive images of women are so hard to
find these days. The church is one place where all that women bring can and
should be celebrated and not relegated to the back.
My hope is that in the future as you reach out to share your
ministry with churches and conferences that you will be mindful of how the
images that you show impact the work of God in communities.
May God’s grace prove you stronger,
Rev. Tara Paul
