Page 192 - Appreciative Leadership

The Path of Integrity 165

processes and antiquated institutions that belittle people, are unjust, or
that cause divisiveness and injury. President Jimmy Carter did just this

in July 2009, when after 60 years as a devoted member, he made the

painful and difficult decision to “sever my ties with the Southern Baptist
Convention.” In his letter entitled “Losing My Religion for Equality,” he
went on to say

It was, however, an unavoidable decision when the
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. ...
At its 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 is 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 infl uence within their own communities. ...
The justifi cation of discrimination against women and girls
on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by
a Higher Authority, is unacceptable. 6

President Carter’s decision suggests that Appreciative Leadership
forgo the righteousness of the rules and instead give voice to life-affi rming
values and the need for a more just, caring, and sustainable world. Th e
phrase “think globally, act locally” suggests how best to contribute to the
whole: be aware of the global realities of our time, be clear about your
values and principles, hold each and every person in positive regard,
and take a stand within your own domain of power to create a world
that works for all. This means change: a set of future-oriented priorities,

the establishment of appreciative ways of working, and the design of