Women and the Church of England : From the 18th Century to the Present

by Sean Gill

A critical look at the ways in which religion has both empowered and hindered women in their attempts to serve God in the Church since 1700. The author examines the significant, but hitherto neglected, contributions women have made to the history of Anglicanism.

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 1994

Reviews

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delivers on its promise to examine the contributions of women to the C of E and how the church has empowered and hindered women in their attempts to serve God during the last 300 years.

It was particularly interesting to read, as I had just read a history of women in the early church, so I was able to critically evaluate some of the claims that had been made about women’s historic contributions during the apostolic time - which was supposedly entirely male and was used as an argument to stop women being ordained.

It was also interesting as in the early church the concept of virginity and singleness and serving God was elevated above marriage and motherhood and by Georgian times, this situation was reversed.

It is quite an academic read, but I think it’s still accessible for someone just interested in history and it was interesting. I also felt it was a balanced presentation of the facts as well as providing analysis and conclusions.