Matthew 25 In Action: Celebrating Women of Faith and Justice | |
Honoring Women’s History Month Through the Voices of Faithful Leaders
The Matthew 25 Initiative invites us to engage deeply in the call of Christ found in Matthew 25:31–46—to live lives prioritizing compassion, justice, and community. This year, in celebration of Women’s History Month, we turn our focus to three dynamic leaders within the Synod of the Northeast and wider Presbyterian Church whose stories embody the Initiative’s three core focus areas:
- Building Congregational Vitality
- Dismantling Structural Racism
- Eradicating Systemic Poverty
Through a series of interviews, we hear from Rev. Dr. Eileen Lindner, Rev. Karen Hernandez-Granzen, and Rev. Holly Haile Thompson, each of whom brings a distinct perspective shaped by their lived experience, faith, and leadership.
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Rev. Dr. Eileen Lindner:
A Legacy of Leadership and Civil Rights
For Rev. Dr. Eileen Lindner, Women’s History Month is a time to uncover stories too often left untold—particularly those of Black women and immigrant women. She reminds us that women were central in the gospel story, from bearing the Christ child to proclaiming his resurrection.
A defining moment in her life came during the Civil Rights Movement, when she was arrested at a demonstration in Georgia. The following day, Andrew Young—then of the National Council of Churches and later a U.S. ambassador—came to bail her out. That connection sparked decades of collaboration and reaffirmed her calling to racial justice and Christian unity.
Her advice?
“Draw strength from your sisters… but don’t exclude your brothers. Work as if everything depends on you but pray as if everything depends on God.”
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Rev. Karen Hernandez-Granzen: A Call to Transformative Justice
As a Latina pastor, Rev. Karen Hernandez has faced doubts about her calling—often from those who questioned whether women were meant to preach. But through her call story and unwavering faith, she found the strength to lead boldly.
A turning point in her ministry came after reading The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, which opened her eyes to the impact of mass incarceration. That inspiration led to the Trenton Microloan Collaborative, a project that supports formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs with funding and mentorship. With backing from a Synod innovation grant and the Lilly Endowment, the initiative has already helped 15 individuals rebuild their lives.
Her encouragement?
“Find your people—your community, your supporters—and lean on them. Change doesn’t happen in isolation.”
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Rev. Holly Haile Thompson:
Faith Rooted in Identity and Justice
The first Native American woman ordained in the PC(USA), Rev. Holly Haile Thompson offers a powerful voice on identity and resilience. “Everything I’ve had to do,” she reflects, “has to do with being a Shinnecock Indian and a woman.”
One defining moment was her first day at a predominantly white church, where she was condescendingly referred to as a “girl.” Rather than allowing such experiences to deter her, Rev. Holly Haile Thompson anchors herself in the truth that her call is divine, not human.
Her charge to others?
“Be courageous. Model your path after women you admire. Don’t give up hope. You are in those spaces for good news and for justice.”
A Living Testament to Matthew 25
These three women exemplify what it means to live out the Matthew 25 Initiative—not just through programs or projects, but through presence, resistance, and resilience. Their lives and ministries remind us that the work of building the Beloved Community is ongoing—and that women have always been at the forefront of that work.
As we reflect on their stories this Women’s History Month, may we recommit ourselves to honoring the contributions of women past and present, and continue building a church that reflects God's vision of justice, inclusion, and love.
The interview was conducted by Dr. Nichol Burris | Administrative Coordinator
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| | | Mission Trip with the Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea | This mission trip is open to Presbyterians and others who are interested in Korea and are concerned about the prospects for peace there and around the world. The participants taking part in this journey will be building connections with peacemakers in the Presbyterian and other churches and groups in South Korea. The journey is not primarily for Korean-Americans, but for people in your synod who want to promote peace. | | Presbytery of Southern New England working with Latinx in Action seeks donations for the migrant community of Cape Cod | The need for food, toiletries, and monetary donations is great in these challenging times. | |
Happening Around the Synod
March 2025
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