RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Reverend Barbara Carson McEwing was a pioneer in seeking equality of treatment for women and people of color within the United Methodist Church and in American Christianity; and
WHEREAS, Reverend McEwing graduated from DePaul University in Chicago and from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Lombard, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, in the 1960's Reverend McEwing led the fight for full equality of opportunity and recognition for women to serve as Christian preachers and pastors; and
WHEREAS, after successfully completing a two-year period of probation that clearly evidenced her zeal for the word of God and her love for God's people, Reverend McEwing was received into "full connection" as clergy in the Lexington Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1963. She later became the first African-American woman to receive full clergy rights within the denomination's Rock River Conference, which later became the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church; and
WHEREAS, Reverend McEwing's vision of the Christian church was inspired by what St. Paul wrote in his Letter to the Galatians: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:28); and
WHEREAS, thus inspired and unwilling to rest after her personal achievement, Reverend McEwing dedicated herself tirelessly to advocating the universal right of all people to make their talents, experiences and wisdom available to serve God through the church in the manner most befitting them, regardless of their race or gender; and
WHEREAS, as a result of Reverend McEwing's efforts and advocacy, other women and people of color were accepted in such church capacities as teacher, administrator, superintendent, pastor, preacher, and religious broadcasters;
WHEREAS, in 1969 Reverend McEwing became pastor of Washington Heights United Methodist Church in Chicago, and served in that position until her death in 1981; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has recognized Reverend McEwing's accomplishments by naming a portion of West 107th Street as "Honorary Barbara Carson McEwing Way"; and
WHEREAS, the visible signs of the honor thus confen ed on the Reverend McEwing cannot convey her impact on American society; and
WHEREAS, the unveiling of the street signs honoring Reverend McEwing is anticipated to occur on August 3, 2015, the anniversary of Reverend McEwing's birth. The event is expected to include many notable clergywomen and clergymen, who will join her family in celebrating this visible honor to her memory; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has been advised of all of the foregoing by the Honorable Carrie M. Austin of the 34th Ward; and
WHEREAS, through her persistence and dedication, Reverend McEwing blazed a trail that became highways of opportunity for women and for people of color within many American Christian denominations; and
WHEREAS, although now long deceased, Reverend Barbara Carson McEwing leaves a permanent legacy of personal accomplishment and service to others; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this 18th day of March, 2015, do hereby honor the life, memory and achievements of Reverend Barbara Carson McEwing; and
Carrie M. Austin
Aldenuan, 34th Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that suitable copies of this Resolution be presented to Reverend McEwing's family, and to the assembly of clergy gathered in her honor, as a token of our esteem and appreciation.