This letter is an excerpt of Rev. Venida’s sermon which kicked off the We Will Not Be Silent series with a spotlight on women - women who are courageous and unyielding - women who persevere and refuse to be silent. Women who have for centuries used their voices and God-given gifting to help transform and liberate lives. Rev. Venida encourages us to learn from their stories and use our voices as well.

Dear Women,

In your quest to be heard, please remember that your voice does not have to be used for

one more, “I’m sorry.” You can’t be doing everything wrong.

Your voice does not have to be used for the all-too familiar, “I’m not sure if this is right”

disclaimer before you speak. Your insight is valuable.

Your voice does not have to be used to criticize your body or intelligence. You got it

going on.

Your voice does not have to be used to measure your capabilities against those of others.

No one else can do what God created you to do.

Each new day is filled with opportunities to voice your opinions and your prayers.

To negotiate the salary you deserve.

To express what your body needs from your partner. 

To affirm your gifts, to uplift others, to be life givers, truth tellers, healers, and liberators.

Use your voice.

Power to the women.

Together, we will not be silent.

With Love,

The Women

Venida C. Rodman Jenkins (she/her)
Co-Pastor of Teaching & Community

Rev. Venida C. Rodman Jenkins is one of the Co-Pastors at Forefront whose focus is Teaching & Community. She hails from Teaneck, N.J. Her background reflects a unique, interdenominational mix of Catholic, Pentecostal, and Baptist faith traditions. She draws from each to provide love, visibility, encouragement and spaces of belonging to underrepresented groups.  

She is the Director of the Speicher-Rubin Women’s Center for Equity and Diversity at New Jersey City University; founder and pastor of EMBRACE Church, and an Adjunct Professor at Newhouse NYC, Syracuse University.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Syracuse University, and the Master of Divinity degree from New York Theological Seminary.