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Presbyterian News Service

Nominations close Feb. 1 for Women of Faith Awards

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) seeks to honor women leading movements for positive change

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Rev. Karen Henandex-Granzen, joined by  accepts her award at the Women of Faith Awards breakfast at the 223rd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in St. Louis, MO on Sunday, June 17, 2018. (Photo by Michael Whitman)
The Rev. Karen Henandex-Granzen accepts her award at the 2018 Women of Faith Awards breakfast at General Assembly 223. (Photo by Michael Whitman)

January 20, 2026

Beth Waltemath

Presbyterian News Service

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is accepting nominations through Feb. 1 for the 2026 Women of Faith Awards, which recognize women whose lives exemplify Christian commitment through witness, service and leadership.

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The Presbyterian Women annual Women of Faith Awards Breakfast was held July 2, 2024 at the Salt Lake City Center Hilton. The 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was June 25 to July 4, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Awards given at the Presbyterian Women Women of Faith Awards Breakfast held on July 2, 2024, at the 226th General Assembly in Salt Lake City, Utah (photo by Rich Copley).

Established in 1986, the awards honor women who faithfully advocate within their communities for those historically and presently forced to the margins of society. The program is administered by the Interim Unified Agency and Presbyterian Women.

Nominations are open to women who consistently live out their faith publicly and purposefully, using their voice and influence to advocate for justice, inclusion and compassion. Eligible nominees should demonstrate work for systemic and spiritual transformation within the church and broader community while modeling integrity, courage and hope.

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Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis accepts the Women of Faith award at 223rd General Assembly for the PCUSA
The Rev Dr.. Liz Theoharis at the Women of Faith Awards breakfast at the 223rd General Assembly in St. Louis, Missouri, on Sunday, June 17, 2018. (Photo by Michael Whitman)

Nominating women for this award matters because their stories of faithful advocacy and leadership can offer light for our paths, said the Rev. Natarsha Sanders, associate for Women’s and Intercultural Concerns. “This sort of consistent leadership can go unnoticed amid polarizing issues, but these types of women remain faithful and focused on their call. When we honor women who advocate, uplift, and transform their communities, we affirm the sacred work they do every day.”

The awards seek to recognize in particular women who empower others, especially those who are marginalized or unheard, to claim their God-given worth and agency.

Previous recipients include the Rev. Dr. Amantha Barbee and the Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis in 2018. 

In 2022, the award honored the rev. abby mohaupt for environmental justice work with Fossil Free PCUSA; the Rev. Lauren Jacobs for co-founding Treasured Inheritance Ministry, which focuses on theological education and advocacy against gender-based violence; and Tamara Williams, stated clerk for the Presbytery of Charlotte, for her faithful service and dedication.

The Women of Faith Awards align with the broader mission of Presbyterian Women and the denomination’s commitment to racial equity and women’s intercultural ministries. By celebrating women who lead movements for positive change, the awards affirm how advocacy is an act of discipleship and love for neighbor.

Nominations can be submitted through this online form.

The ceremony honoring this year's recipients will be announced at a later date. 

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