Creative Feminist Ministers:
Education, Training, Networking

Program Details and Online Recordings

WATER is committed to providing feminist ministers the education and training they need to do their work effectively, especially in light of lean economic times; therefore we are utilizing technology to bring these resources to you! Please make a donation to WATER for the use of these resources.

Wednesday • 17 June 2009

Liberation Beyond Borders:

Dalit Feminist Hermeneutics and Four Gospel Women

A conversation with Surekha Nelavala and Mary Kate Birge

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Learn about Dalit theology from a feminist perspective. Surekha Nelavala, author of “Liberation Beyond Borders: Dalit Feminist Hermeneutics and Four Gospel Women,” received her doctorate from Drew University. Her thesis provides a starting point for conversation with Mary Kate Birge, a New Testament scholar who received her doctorate from The Catholic University of America.

These colleagues will discuss Dalit feminist theology, how it shapes feminist scriptural studies, and its implications for feminist ministry.

Theological Education for Feminist Ministry

A conference call with Emilie Townes

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Talk with an expert on theological education to learn what’s happening! Emilie M. Townes is Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and the Andrew W. Mellon Professor of African American Religion and Theology at Yale Divinity School. She is also an ordained American Baptist minister.

We will ask Emilie to give us a sense of “the big picture” in theological education—where the action is, what new offerings are available. We’ll ask specifically what feminists need to know, what not to miss, what to avoid, and how to make it through the rigors of academic and practical preparation for feminist ministry.

Thursday • 18 June 2009

Challenges for Feminist Ministers

A conversation with Cindy Lapp and Mari Castellanos

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Discuss challenges facing feminist ministers. Cindy Lapp, pastor of Hyattsville Mennonite Church, is a feminist minister with deep roots in her tradition and an equally deep commitment to justice. Cindy will be joined by Mari Castellanos, who is ordained in the United Church of Christ. She serves on the staff of the UCC Justice and Witness Ministries Washington, DC, office.

Cindy and Mari will discuss the challenges involved in bringing a prophetic voice to the real world of the congregation, denomination, and other people of good will who resist progressive, inclusive ministry. Questions include:

  • What do we do when religious institutions profess to be open and caring places but in fact exclude people on the basis of sexuality, ethnicity, legal status, or any other reason?

  • How do we minister with those on the margins, in fact, in some cases become marginalized because of our beliefs? What resources sustain feminist ministers in these sorts of struggle?

Feminist Ministry and Sexual Violence

A conference call with Marie Fortune

Download audio recording here.

Learn about both pastoral and prophetic dimensions of work with survivors of sexual/domestic violence. Marie Fortune, founder and senior analyst at the FaithTrust Institute, will join WATER’s feminist ministry educational program for a conference call responding to questions on this topic, including:

  • As more women move into pastoral ministry, how can we be effective advocates for those who have been hurt? What training and resources do we need to be helpful? How do we maintain our own boundaries in the process?

  • As feminist ministers, how can we raise the issues of sexual/domestic violence in prophetic preaching, teaching, writing, and worship? What support can we expect and how can we socialize the work for maximum impact?

 

“Brigit of Ireland: Spirit of Old Europe”

Teleconference with Mary Condren

Download audio recording here.

“Mary Daly—A Feminist’s Feminist”

Teleconference with Mary E. Hunt

Download audio recording here.

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