Author(s): Julia Ogilvy

Religion | Feminism

The treatment of women in the Christian churches is nothing short of scandalous. It was not always thus. In the New Testament and the Early Church women played a full part in Church life, often in positions of high office. As the Church of England has once again, by a wafer thin margin, refused to admit women bishops, Julia Ogilvy has interviewed twelve of the most notable Christian women of our time. Discussing their ambitions, their disappointments and often the rage and hurt they have experience at the hands of a patriarchal and often misogynistic organisation are: Revd Lucy Winkett, Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Sheila Watson, Vivienne Faull, Jane Williams, Dr Elaine Storkey, Professor Sarah Coakley, Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Dr Alison Elliot, Revd Tamsin Merchant, Dr Katherine Jefferts Schori, and Rt Revd Chilton Knudsen. Exploring the history and theology of the treatment of women in the church, as well as analysing the situation today, this is above all a book of hope.