The women leaders from the past give voice to those in the present with a message, challenging future leaders (female and male) to step up and be the leaders God wants them to be. In sum, “When God created humankind; he made them in the likeness of God. Male and female, he created them, and he blessed them, and named them ‘Humankind’ when they were created” (Genesis 5:2). And again, “Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant … For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:43-45). Hence, whether we are called to lead or to follow we have a mandate from Christ to serve. For it is in this way, that we are called to action (Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, 2015). 

Female leaders have been “responding to the call of the gospel and engaging in active discipleship since time immemorial. Let all of us then – all genders rejoice, celebrate, and give thanks for the sacredness and dignity of womanhood.” There are many women in our contemporary Churches who give voice to the experiences of their role and who engage in active discipleship in their mission of service, as they continue their faith journey and live the message of the Gospels. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John Ch 13, Verse 35).

As contemporary Christian women and men then, let us listen to the voices from the past as they speak to us in the present and challenge the young Christian women and men of the future to step up and be and do what God wants us all to be and to do – working in active partnership and in a spirit of solidarity and communion – to open our hearts with love, gentleness and compassion so that they become serving hearts that emulate the servanthood of Jesus Christ.