New Feminist Christianity:Many Voices, Many Views

"Christianity has been a source of the oppression of womeny as well as a resource for unleashing women's full humanity. Feminist analysis and practice have recognized this. Feminist Christianity is reshaping religious institutions and religious life in more holistic, inclusive, and justice-focused ways."---From the Introduction

Feminism has brought many changes to Christian religious practice. From inclusive language and imagery about the Divine to an increase in the number of women ministers, Christian worship will never be the same. Yet, even now, there is a lack of substantive structural change in many churches and complacency within denominations.

The contributors to this book are the thought leaders who are shaping, and being shaped by, the emerging directions of feminist Christianity. They speak from across the denominational spectrum, and from the many diverse groups that make up the Christian community as it finds its place in a religiously pluralistic world. Taken together, their voices offer a starting point for building new models of religious life and worship.

"Some of the best and most cutting-edge thinking.... Calls upon us to do together the hard yet hopeful work of dismantling sexism and domination---both within and among us--- so that God's earth and all who dwell upon it can be saved."---Rev. Loey Powell, executive for Administration & Women's Justice, United Church of Christ

"Important and exciting.... A very banquet of ideas big enough to re-invigorate the life of the Spirit. More than that, it is a catalyst for the ongoing process of achieving it." ---Joan Chittister, OSB, co-chair, Global Peace Initiative of Women; author, Heart of Flesh: A Feminist Spirituality for Women and Men

"Living proof that feminism has shaken the Christian patriarchal mindset to its core.... A must read for anyone interested in the future of Christianity in the twenty-first century." ---Maureen Fiedler, host, Interfaith Voices; editor, Breaking Through the Stained Glass Ceiling: Women Religious Leaders in Their Own Words

Feminist Christianity isn't just about women. It's about all people who have experienced oppression or discrimination---because of their race, ethnicity, nationality, sexuality, class, or other factors. Feminist Christianity is working to fight these prejudices and realize compassion and justice for all people.

In this groundbreaking volume, some of the most influential feminist Christians come together to reflect on what they have accomplished, as well as to shed light on current problems that continue to prevent women's full participation in the community of believers.

"Demonstrates that feminist Christianity is far from monolithic; rather it is diverse, thoughtful incisive, pastoral, prophetic and above all, deeply faithful." ---Emilie M. Townes, Andrew W. Mellon Professor of African American Religion and Theology, Yale University

"With smarts, wit, and tantalizing moral vision, feminist movers and shakers illustrate how transforming patriarchy, religiously as well as socially, requires `changing the subject,' both the `who' that speaks (and is listened to) and the `what' that's spoken about....Truly nourishing bread for the journey." ---Rev. Marvin M. Ellison, PhD, Wiilard S. Bass Professor of Christian Ethics, Bangor Theological Seminary; co-editor, Sexuality and the Sacred: Sources for Theological Reflection.

Mary E. Hunt is a Catholic feminist theologian active in the women-church movement. Dr. Hunt lectures and writes on theology and ethics with particular attention to liberation issues. She is editor of A Guide for Women in Religion: Making Your Way from A to Z (Palgrave), among many other publications
Diann L. Neu is a feminist liturgist and minister, spiritual director and psychotherapist. Dr. Neu is the author of Return Blessings: Ecofeminist Liturgies Renewing the Earth and Women's Rites: Feminist Liturgies for Life's Journeys. She designs liturgies for faith and justice communities, especially the women-church movement.