By Brant Mills

In early February, The Black Clergy Women of the Texas Annual Conference met at Riverside UMC in Houston to “Mix and Mingle” at their first gathering in five years (maybe longer).

Rev. Tabitha Mock, co-director of Black Clergywomen for the South Central Jurisdiction said the event was meant to be a light social gathering and it proved to be a fun time for those who attended. “About fifteen black clergywomen attended, plus a couple of college pastoral interns. Bishop Harvey was present too, and she offered inspiring words of support and appreciation.”

Black Clergywomen is a United Methodist Ministry. They are a national organization and each annual conference has their own Black Clergywomen caucus. Elected two years prior as Co-Director for the jurisdiction, Rev. Mock has been wanting the group to be more active in Texas. For her, hosting the event and being part of the larger organization have deep personal significance.

“I am a black clergywoman and I can remember going through seminary acknowledging my call to ministry and going through ordination – and there were Black Clergywomen there for me,” She said. “I’m not saying others couldn’t be, but the organization was active and very present. I can remember my ordination night. I remember receiving recognition at their annual gathering and receiving a certificate and being showered with love. I want to get us back to that loving, supporting each other, loving on each other, and being present for each other.”

Mock says they will host more meetings and events in the future and hope more people become aware of their organization and come join them.

“We will do the work to continue to meet regularly and continue our efforts to support and love one another, and pray for one another, but also have fun together.”

Mock added that they’re looking forward to being present at the national meeting this July in New Orleans as the Black Clergywomen of the Texas Annual Conference.

The national organization says their goal is: “to identify, develop, support, and enhance opportunities for the inclusion and empowerment of black clergywomen at all levels of the United Methodist Church.” You can learn more about them at: www.blackclergywomenumc.org  

Reach out to Rev. Tabitha Mock to learn more about their work in the Texas Annual Conference and the South Central Jurisdiction at (903) 635-0891 or: .