CAPTION: Rev'd Lizzi Green in her role as a chaplain leading a service in the UN Chapel in New York
Devon Vicar in New York to Champion Women’s Justice at UN
Rev’d Lizzi Green, Team Vicar of Plympton St Mary Church, near Plymouth, is attending the UN Commission on the Status of Women as Chaplain to the conference. It runs from 7 March – it starts on March 7 and runs for two weeks. The commission is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality, the rights and the empowerment of women.
Lizzi explains why her faith and her passion for gender justice go hand-in-hand:
“According to the World Economic Forum, at current rate of progress it will take until 2158 for women and men to reach full equality across the globe. And that’s only if progress continues – in many cases, it’s either stopping or regressing.
I am passionate about the fact that being a follower of Jesus means a full commitment to gender justice. We follow a saviour who loved generously, who elevated and empowered women, and who calls us to do the same.
I’m really thrilled this year to be have a particularly exciting opportunity to advocate for this justice at one of the highest political levels in the world. From March 7 to 16th, I’ll be in New York at the UN Commission on the Status of Women. This is my fourth time, and I am particularly thrilled to be there as a woman of faith, representing Christians across the world fighting for the rights of women and girls.
This year, the theme of the conference is Bejing Plus 30. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was signed 30 years ago by the members of the UN States and lists the commitments of member states to progress rights for women and girls in 12 key areas – poverty, education and training, health, violence, armed conflict, economy, power and decision making, institutional mechanisms, human rights, media, environment and the girl child.
In a world which appears to be becoming more divided, Jesus brings us hope. In a world where women are marginalised, Jesus brings dignity. In a world where women and girls are disproportionately affected by conflict, Jesus brings peace. In a world where girls face discrimination, Jesus brings justice. I’m so excited to have the chance to work supporting a delegation of Christian women across the world as we seek to bring the hope of Christ into this key event. I’ll be speaking, leading worship, meeting with key decision makers, sharing and networking with Christians across the world – and, knowing the CSW, not sleeping a lot!
I would love to ask for your prayers during the conference. Lets pray together for a world where there really is space at the table for all, where women are recognised for their inherent value and worth, and where all God’s children have the chance to live the fullness of life God desires for them.”
You can find out more about Bejing Plus 30 here.
You can follow Lizzi’s New York journey on X: @lizzigreen2
