By: C. Harrison/March 21, 2016

ADVISE TO WOMEN

Rev. Dr. Ernestine Sanders                             Tina Burke

Queens, New York….. State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village), held a special themed Community Clergy Breakfast today in recognition of Women’s History Month, where topics of discussion were domestic violence and women in ministry. The event was held at Bethel Gospel Tabernacle Church in Jamaica.

According to Sanders, it is important to support women because they are the backbone of our community and our culture. He said, “I understand that women hold up half the sky, and that the reason the sky hasn’t fallen is because of the strength of women.”

The month’s keynote speaker was Rev. Dr. Ernestine Sanders pastor of the Evangelical Christian church and Executive Vice President of Clergy United for Community Empowerment (CUCE), who gave a moving speech describing how she used her strength, intelligence and faith in God to become a leader in ministry at the time when most churches and faith-based organizations were headed by men.

Rev. sanders told women not to put themselves in competition with men, because we grow together. She also said, “Don’t get so wrapped up in the women’s movement that you think you don’t need men. You don’t have to bash males to be somebody.” The Rev also encouraged women attendees to network and cross denominational lines. Rev. Sanders believe that women can do anything that their ability allows them to do.

Tina Burke, of the CUCE, also gave a presentation on domestic violence. The organization offers an intervention program for victims and batterers, treating every client with dignity and respect.