The first two official words of last night's State of the Union address made history. The first Congressional escort shouted to the assembly: "Madame Speaker." The next finished the introduction, "The president of the United States." President Bush then started his speech: "Tonight, I have the high privilege and distinct honor to begin a speech with the words, 'Madame Speaker.'" The room filled with applause.

Democratic Representative Nancy Pelosi of California is the 55th Speaker of the House in American history, but the first woman to hold the position. As Congress always hosts the State of the Union address, she was the convener of the assembly. Since the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, the Speaker of the House has stood behind the Vice President as third in line to the presidency. Her presence made the event historic.

The role of women in national leadership has changed dramatically in my lifetime. It is good news that it is no longer news when a woman is elected president of a major university or CEO of a multinational corporation. More women are serving in the Senate than ever before. Hillary Rodham Clinton's announced presidential candidacy is newsworthy because of her status as a former First Lady, not her gender.

Such equality of significance is nothing new to the Christian worldview. Jesus and his apostolic followers were arguably the most powerful voice for the value of women in the ancient world. Our Lord's compassion for the Samaritan woman (John 4) and his choice of women as the first to announce his resurrection made clear his unconditional affirmation of their gender.

Deborah, Huldah, and Miriam were among the prophets of the Old Testament. Philip had four daughters who were preachers (Acts 21:9). Junia was numbered among the "apostles," the most significant early leaders of the Church (Romans 16:7). Paul's announcement was clear: "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:28-29).

In heaven there will be people "from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages" (Revelation 7:9). Today is a good day to celebrate our Father's love for all his children. The next time the world says that you cannot do something because of your gender, race, or circumstances, hear your Lord disagree. And decide that he's right.

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