In 1955 there were 4 women in our entering Bachelor of Divinity (now a Master of Divinity) class at Princeton Theological Seminary, preparing for Ministry. When we entered, women were not yet being ordained. That changed in 1956 in the Presbyterian Church, USA after years of advocacy. Imagine my delight when I attended a Women in Ministry Conference at Princeton in 2017 and was in the midst of over 200 women clergy who had been ordained through the years. And there are many more.
Two Seminary professors, Abigail Rian Evans and Katherine Doob Sackenfeld had made it happen and on this occasion released their new book, “Faith of our Mothers Living Still.” An apt title for them as well as for the women in the book’s pages “redefining ministry” as they say.
One of my old friends and onetime challenger, the Rev. Dr. Katie Cannon, Womanist Theoligan and Ethicist, was the keynote speaker and brilliant as she dynamically shared the history of African American Women through the eyes of her great grandmother onward. I need to give a shout out to her mother, Corinne, now about to celebrate her 98th Birthday, who was on the first Task Force for Women of the Presbyterian Church, USA. which I served as staff liaison from the Board of Christian Education. She is a gem!
The Conference ended with a deeply moving worship service led by Sister Miriam Terese Winter, who had earned her PhD from Princeton Seminary. Through that service we got a glimpse of a new Spirit filled creation and of a constructive theology, born out of the chaos of years of deconstructing patriarchal theology. (On which we build into the future even as we critique it as Martin Luther did 500 years ago. Reformed, reforming, and ecumenical.
Between these book-ends, were many inspiring and encouraging conversations, presentations and re-connections. So many gifted and creative women!
Coming home, I am inspired and grateful. As I listen to a CD by Sister Miriam Terese Winter, “A New Day Dawns”, I am again taken by the freshness, clarity, and depth and breadth of her faith and vision in the words, and I am enjoying all the varied voices singing. And then I am surprised by the male voices that join in half way through, surprised and delighted. Of course, so it is in life. I am satisfied.
The profession of Ministry is a complex profession, for which I have new found respect and admiration. I wish the press could see beyond the conservative mega church sensationalists to the heart of professional Ministry and all we have to offer society and give us a shout out!
Women in Ministry are doing amazing work! We are building on the work of all who have gone before us, who built and sustained our churches and missions, and engaged in many forms of community service and justice advocacy through the years. Like reformers before us, we are change agents for a better world. We are empowered by Christ’s Spirit and relationships with one another and with our sisters and brothers of good will throughout the world. Religion is not dead, it is just catching its Breath for a new day!
Praise be to God! God’s new order come! God’s will be done!