Aldredge-Clanton, Jann. SHE LIVES! SOPHIA WISDOM WORKS IN THE WORLD. Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2014 (300 pages, $18.99).

Listen to Jann’s WATERtalk to get a feel for the breadth and scope of this useful resource on female language/imagery in religion. Progress is slow, backlash is cruel, but inclusive/expansive language is a must.

Bain, Katherine. WOMEN’S SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AND RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP IN ASIA MINOR IN THE FIRST TWO CENTURIES. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2014 (210 pages, $49).

A very useful dissertation that explores the way in which women in the Roman world lived and shaped society. The author contradicts some widely accepted views, using critical feminist analysis to show how non-dominant people can do history.

Bankson, Peter and Deborah Sokolove. CALLING ON GOD: INCLUSIVE CHRISTIAN PRAYERS FOR THREE YEARS OF SUNDAYS. Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2014 (385 pages, $18.99).

A prayerful, useful worship aid for progressive congregations and base communities. Prayers for many occasions are written in inclusive ways.

Cherry, Kittredge with illustrations by Douglas Blancard. THE PASSION OF CHRIST: A GAY VISION. Berkeley, CA: The Apocryphile Press, 2015 (146 pages, $38.95).

The ancient story of Jesus takes on new meaning when read through a queer lens. Powerful paintings and texts make his story “our” story insofar as artists show contemporary suffering. It is hard to view this art and read these texts without weeping for injustice and committing anew to love.

Eds. Coode, Judy and McNeely, Kathy. A MARYKNOLL LITURGICAL YEAR: REFLECTIONS ON THE READINGS FOR YEAR A. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2013 (207 pages, $20).

Trustworthy colleagues reflect on the standard readings. They bring insights, offer challenges, and make good sense.

Daigler, Mary Jeremy. INCOMPATIBLE WITH GOD’S DESIGN: A HISTORY OF THE WOMEN’s ORDINATION MOVEMENT IN THE U.S. ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.  Lanham, Maryland: The Scarecrow Press, Inc. (201 pages, $20).

This is a comprehensive history of the Roman Catholic Women’s Ordination movement, especially in the U.S. before the advent of the Roman Catholic women priest movement. Alas, little progress can be reported, but many good people have moved toward feminist ministry in the process.

Day, Keri. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: BLACK WOMEN, THE BLACK CHURCH, AND THE STRUGGLE TO THRIVE IN AMERICA.  Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2012 (180 pages, $28).

Listen to Keri’s WATERtalk “Is Moral Economy Possible?” for a full sense of this important analysis. Black women are at the center of Black Church life, making a way, doing justice, and preaching a powerful word for all.

Ed. Dykstra, Laurel. BURY THE DEAD: STORIES OF DEATH AND DYING, RESISTANCE AND DISCIPLESHIP. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2013 (164 pages, $18.90).

People who know how to live know how to die. This collection of writings by justice-seekers shows how real people face real deaths in real smart ways.

Gilmore, Susan E. THE PEACE SEEKER: ONE WOMAN’S BATTLE IN THE CHURCH’s WAR ON HOMOSEXUALITY. . Fairview Village, Pennsylvania: Peace Seeker Press, 2015 (174 pages, $12.95).

Many religious groups inflict untold damage on their LGBTIQ-loving people. This story is a testament to the power of goodwill to confront even the most pernicious discrimination.

Jost, Stina Busman. WALKING WITH THE MUD FLOWER COLLECTIVE: GOD’S FIERCE WHIMSY AND DIALOGIC THEOLOGICAL METHOD. . Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2014 (265 pages, $49).

Dialogic feminist/womanist/mujerista work in theology is part of the new gold standard in the field. How heartening to see this classic text rethought decades later in such a critical and positive light.

Lane, Erin S. LESSONS IN BELONGING FROM A CHURCH-GOING COMMITMENT PHOBE. Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2015 (207 pages, $11.84).

Erin Lane is a fresh voice tackling what it means to be part of a faith community for the millennial generation. Through honest personal story and narrative, through a variety of churches and denominations, Lane addresses many sides of theology, painting a picture of the hard, messy business of faith and belonging, and what it means to work at commitment. An especially helpful read for those in their 20-30s.

Lanzetta, Beverly. PATH OF THE HEART: A SPIRITUAL GUIDE TO DIVINE UNION. San Diego, CA: Blue Sapphire Books, 2015 (194 pages, $13.50).

Contemporary mysticism is uncommon. This is an uncommon book by an uncommon writer who finds spiritual meaning and shares it widely.

Maxwell, Sarah. TRANSCENDENT VOCATION: WHY GAY CLERGY TOLERATE HYPOCRISY. Winchester, UK: Christian Alternative Books, 2013 (155 pages, $19.95).

The notion of “transcendent vocation” helps to identify why there are so many gay priests, both Roman Catholic and Anglican. But if “priest” trumps “gay” identity, there is cause for concern.

Ott, Kate. SEX AND FAITH: TALKING WITH YOUR CHILD FROM BIRTH TO ADOLESCENCE. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2013 (164 pages, $13.62).

This practical guide covers the basics from a feminist and queer-friendly perspective. Pass it on.

Ruether, Rosemary Radford. MY QUESTS FOR HOPE AND MEANING. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2013 (195 pages, $18.40).

Rosemary’s public practice of theology is a model to emulate. It is at once intellectually rigorous and grounded in daily experiences from the ozone layer to her garden. Her ability to create colleagues assures that her work will endure beyond her earthly life, when, according to her own theology, she becomes part of the compost for future lives.

Rupp, Joyce. FLY WHILE YOU STILL HAVE WINGS AND OTHER LESSONS MY RESILIENT MOTHER TAUGHT ME. Notre Dame, Indiana: Sorin Books, 2015 (203 pages, $16.95).

This will resonate with many readers who treasure what we have learned from our mothers. Whether advice on how to live or modeling how to die, mothers leave children the task of carrying on.