WomanSpirit

Voices of Change: The Feminist Ministers Who Revitalized a Tradition

At Union Theological School in 1970, a professor stepped up to the podium and greeted his class of ministerial aspirants, "Good morning, Gentlemen." A voice called out, "And women!"

WomanSpirit is a collection of twenty essays by extraordinary Unitarian Universalists who illuminate their journey of empowerment and evolution. It's a tribute to their dream of a more inclusive, equitable future and, in doing so, reshaped the very fabric of the denomination.

Through poignant reflection and vivid storytelling, this compelling anthology captures the struggles and triumphs that reshaped an entire denomination. It speaks of a shared journey of resilience, solidarity, and the power of collective action while celebrating the courage of brave women who dared to challenge the status quo, redefine possibilities, and transform their denomination from within.

"WomanSpirit: The Rise of Feminism and the Empowerment of Women in Liberal Religion draws on archival materials and personal accounts to introduce the complex intersections of gender, spirituality, and social change. This is an engaging look at a neglected area within Unitarian Universalist historiography and an important addition to the study of progressive feminist theology. The challenges and obstacles faced by women religious leaders in the second half of the twentieth century will inspire twenty-first century UUs with their courage, compassion, and resilience."

-The Rev. Meg Richardson, Ph.D. (She/Her/Hers), Associate Dean of Faculty, Associate Professor of Unitarian Universalist History, Director, Certificate in Unitarian Universalist Studies, Starr King School for the Ministry

"A thoughtful work about hopeful realism in the face of adversity. These twenty-first-century women helped transform our denomination into the multicultural, multiracial denomination that it is today."

-The Rev. Addae A. Kraba, Minister Unitarian Universalists of New Braunfels