Is President Carter the new feminist-in-chief?

Tuesday, 07. 21. 2009  –  by Janice

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A guest post by Andrea last week prompted a dynamic dialog about solidarity. During the discussion one of our activists and fellow guest bloggers, Dana, filled us in on a bold, brave move made recently by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Carter has taken the remarkably morally courageous move to publicly distance himself from the Southern Baptist Convention, of which he has been a member for six decades. While the decision has many wondering "what took you so long?" the public statement is a brave stand for a man to make. Discrimination against women is something that most women see, but most men are not willing to acknowledge. We at the Moral Courage Project salute President Carter and encourage all our readers to read his statement, printed in its entirety below.

Jimmy Carter

The words of God do not justify cruelty to women

Jimmy Carter, The Observer Sunday 12 July 2009

"Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status …" (Article 2, Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)

I have been a practising Christian all my life and a deacon and Bible teacher for many years. My faith is a source of strength and comfort to me, as religious beliefs are to hundreds of millions of people around the world.

So my decision to sever my ties with the Southern Baptist Convention, after six decades, was painful and difficult. It was, however, an unavoidable decision when th e convention's leaders, quoting a few carefully selected Bible verses and claiming that Eve was created second to Adam and was responsible for original sin, ordained that women must be "subservient" to their husbands and prohibited from serving as deacons, pastors or chaplains in the military service. This was in conflict with my belief – confirmed in the holy scriptures – that we are all equal in the eyes of God.

This view that women are somehow inferior to men is not restricted to one religion or belief. It is widespread. Women are prevented from playing a full and equal role in many faiths.

Nor, tragically, does its influence stop at the walls of the church, mosque, synagogue or temple. This discrimination, unjustifiably attributed to a Higher Authority, has provided a reason or excuse for the deprivation of women's equal rights across the world for centuries. The male interpretations of religious texts and the way they interact with, and reinforce, traditional practices justify some of the most pervasive, persistent, flagrant and damaging examples of human rights abuses.

At their most repugnant, the belief that women must be subjugated to the wishes of men excuses slavery, violence, forced prostitution, genital mutilation and national laws that omit rape as a crime. But it also costs many millions of girls and women control over their own bodies and lives, and continues to deny them fair access to education, health, employment and influence within their own communities.

The impact of these religious beliefs touches every aspect of our lives. They help explain why in many countries boys are educated before girls; why girls are told when and whom they must marry; and why many face enormous and unacceptable risks in pregnancy and childbirth because their basic health needs are not met.

In some Islamic nations, women are restricted in their movements, punished for permitting the exposure of an arm or ankle, deprived of education, prohibited from driving a car or competing with men for a job. If a woman is raped, she is often most severely punished as the guilty party in the crime.

The same discriminatory thinking lies behind the continuing gender gap in pay and why there are still so few women in office in Britain and the United States. The root of this prejudice lies deep in our histories, but its impact is felt every day. It is not women and girls alone who suffer. It damages all of us. The evidence shows that investing in women and girls delivers major benefits for everyone in society. An educated woman has healthier children. She is more likely to send them to school. She earns more and invests what she earns in her family.

It is simply self-defeating for any community to discriminate against half its population. We need to challenge these self-serving and out-dated attitudes and practices – as we are seeing in Iran where women are at the forefront of the battle for democracy and freedom.

I understand, however, why many political leaders can be reluctant about stepping into this minefield. Religion, and tradition, are powerful and sensitive area to challenge.

But my fellow Elders and I, who come from many faiths and backgrounds, no longer need to worry about winning votes or avoiding controversy – and we are deeply committed to challenging injustice wherever we see it.

The Elders have decided to draw particular attention to the responsibility of religious and traditional leaders in ensuring equality and human rights. We have recently published a statement that declares: "The justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a Higher Authority, is unacceptable."

We are calling on all leaders to challenge and change the harmful teachings and practices, no matter how ingrained, which justify discrimination against women. We ask, in particular, that leaders of all religions have the courage to acknowledge and emphasise the positive messages of dignity and equality that all the world's major faiths share.

Although not having training in religion or theology, I understand that the carefully selected verses found in the holy scriptures to justify the superiority of men owe more to time and place – and the determination of male leaders to hold onto their influence – than eternal truths. Similar Biblical excerpts could be found to support the approval of slavery and the timid acquiescence to oppressive rulers.

At the same time, I am also familiar with vivid descriptions in the same scriptures in which women are revered as pre-eminent leaders. During the years of the early Christian church women served as deacons, priests, bishops, apostles, teachers and prophets. It wasn't until the fourth century that dominant Christian leaders, all men, twisted and distorted holy scriptures to perpetuate their ascendant positions within the religious hierarchy.

I know, too, that Billy Graham, one of the most widely respected and revered Christians during my lifetime, did not understand why women were prevented from being priests and preachers. He said: "Women preach all over the world. It doesn't bother me from my study of the scriptures."

The truth is that male religious leaders have had – and still have – an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the latter.

Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world. This is in clear violation not just of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Moses and the prophets, Muhammad, and founders of other great religions – all of whom have called for proper and equitable treatment of all the children of God. It is time we had the courage to challenge these views.

• Jimmy Carter was US president from 1977-81. The Elders are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity.




8 responses to “Is President Carter the new feminist-in-chief?”

  1. Dana says:
    July 22nd, 2009 at 12:23 pm

    I just can't get over how great this editorial is, and the guts that President Carter showed in writing it. The line that strikes me the most is "At their most repugnant, the belief that women must be subjugated to the wishes of men excuses slavery, violence, forced prostitution, genital mutilation and national laws that omit rape as a crime. But it also costs many millions of girls and women control over their own bodies and lives, and continues to deny them fair access to education, health, employment and influence within their own communities." A white, deeply religious, affluent older male defending girls' and women's rights to control their own bodies?!?! I'm floored, grateful, hopeful, and energized. I never really expected to see substantial change in the way that religious and traditional entities treat and view women. Now it's starting to look like a real possibility. My thanks to President Carter and the Elders. I also want to offer a big round of applause for the activists at every level who have worked for many, many years to bring the injustices perpetuated against girls and women to light. It takes a lot of kicking and screaming to get this kind of attention.

    Janice Reply:
    July 22nd, 2009 at 3:48 pm

    @Dana, my only worry is that the issue of violence and discrimination against women is one that will only begin to gain mainstream attention IF and WHEN other white, affluent men get on board. Feminists have been struggling for the recognition of domestic violence and labor market discrimination for years, yet the mainstream media continues to ignore the issues and even excuse abusers. What will it take for major attention to be brought to women's rights in the U.S?

  2. Genesis Be says:
    July 23rd, 2009 at 2:38 pm

    This is awesome. Definitely a huge step forward.

  3. Erin says:
    July 23rd, 2009 at 2:52 pm

    Dana and Janice, thank you for bringing this article to my attention! President Carter’s words and courage to cut ties officially with an institution that he was so much a part of, as well as the work of the Elders (http://www.theelders.org/elders) are energizing! Although it seems that disassociating with an organization that discriminates against women is the right thing to do intellectually, especially for a man who champions human rights for all, the ability to do so emotionally can be very challenging—impossible for some.

    In fact, I hope that Mr. Carter’s example will give others the courage and strength to speak up for what is right. The Stoning of Soraya M. is a perfect example of someone who had the courage to speak out against the wrongs of her village, Soraya’s Aunt Zara. Zara, similar to Carter, was an elder in her village–someone who was respected (by most) for her independent thought and wisdom. Zara didn’t let the shameful stoning of Soraya go unheard or unrecognized. Although Soraya’s fate was spearheaded by her cruel husband, the fundamental issue is the absence or lack of status, respect, and equality of women in the world. Zara may not have been able to save her beloved Soraya, but her courage ultimately will save women world wide.

    I realize that we live in a globally inter-connected world and can easily access Carter’s article in The Guardian, but why wasn’t his op-ed published in a U.S. newspaper or is making mainstream U.S. news? Not only should more people know about Mr. Carter’s decision and the purpose of it, but the U.S. has a bill pending in the House and the Senate (HR5927 and S2279) called the International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) that must be passed. Bottom line, President Carter’s opinion is important for three reasons: 1) as a world leader, he speaks out openly against the discrimination of women and that it must stop; 2) he demonstrates moral courage, which everyone must know about; and 3) more attention must be focused on the passage of I-VAWA. As supporters of women’s rights, I urge everyone to sign the petition and send it to their networks: http://www.womenthrive.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=133.
    Does anyone know Jimmy Carter's email address?

    Janice Reply:
    July 24th, 2009 at 9:28 am

    @Erin, Thank you so much for your comments. I do not know Carter's email address but Andrea and I are in the process of sending him a personal letter asking for his support on our campaign and asking that he hold a screening of the film. We are anxious to hear back from him and will be publishing the letter on this site.
    Thank you for letting us know about the Violence Against Women Act, it is something that I hope will be of great interest to our readers.
    You are right, it is very challenging for one to take a stand and risk backlash from their community in the way that Carter has. I am not sure why it was published in a UK paper first and not a U.S. paper. Maybe it is just further proof that this is not an issue that is in-vogue in this country. However, there are some men who are bravely tackling the issue of violence. One of them, Pedro Elias of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, will be featured in my next blog post. Stay tuned!

  4. The Moral Courage Project » Blog Archive » Caution: Men at work (demolishing violence) says:
    July 25th, 2009 at 10:12 am

    [...] Tuesday I posted Jimmy Carter’s brave op-ed distancing himself from the Southern Baptist Convention because of their views on women. The post [...]

  5. Feminists For Choice » Caution: Men at work (demolishing violence) says:
    July 25th, 2009 at 10:29 am

    [...] Tuesday I posted Jimmy Carter’s brave op-ed distancing himself from the Southern Baptist Convention on the Moral Courage Project blog. The post [...]

  6. karys rhea says:
    July 29th, 2009 at 12:23 pm

    I wanted to voice my antipathy for Jimmy Carter. I believe he is one of the great American hypocrites, certainly not well respected for his former foreign policy decisions, and even regarded by many as a “failed” president.

    First off, Carter has drifted from the church twice before on other issues, and his motives have been questioned as to why he has disassociated himself.

    Secondly, as a champion of "human rights," Carter has for long supported engagement with North Korea, a country in which over 900,000 citizens are imprisoned in concentration camps. He ushered in the theocratic Ayatollah Khomeini, replacing the shah, and advised the Shah's military not to oppose the revolution (they complied and were murdered as one of Khomeini's first acts in power). Not to mention that Carter has had very little to say about Iran since the revolution, and instead has focused his energy on Israel, entirely ignoring woman's rights abuses in countries such as Libya, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, etc…Even when he was president, he ignored the communist takeover in Angola, and stepped back as Gadhafi took power in Libya, turning it into a "terrorist- host" nation. He turned a blind eye to Sudan, and to the murder of millions of Black Christians by Arab Muslims. He is outspokenly and blatantly an apologist for Hamas and has gone to great lengths to portray them as a misunderstood people who we should be sympathetic too. Under Hamas law, one can be crucified (yes CRUCIFIED!) for treason, and woman are treated as chattel. Hamas is the bottom of the barrel with respect to human rights.

    I have such disdain for Carter that this move he has taken to curb woman's rights abuses leaves little impression on me….if only because he is 100 percent in bed with the worst woman’s rights abusers in the world. You wonder how many vestal virgins he's been offered for his support…

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