Women’s History Month
Episcopal Church elects first black woman diocesan bishop
By Yonat Shimron — October 28, 2016
(RNS) While she is not the first black female bishop in the Episcopal Church, those who preceded her held the title of “suffragan bishop,” a subordinate to the diocesan bishop.
Author Emma Donoghue finds ‘The Wonder’ in fasting girls
By Kimberly Winston — October 28, 2016
(RNS) The newest novel by the best-selling author has a little-known bit of religious and social history at its heart.
Will evangelical women turn the tide against Trump?
By Emily McFarlan Miller — October 17, 2016
(RNS) Many nonwhite, female evangelicals across the political spectrum have been speaking out against Trump since he first announced his campaign for president.
Supporters of women as priests see hope in pope’s openness to deacons
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 2, 2016
(RNS) The movement to ordain women as priests in the Roman Catholic Church isn’t new. But its supporters have seen glimmers of hope for their cause this summer.
How Shauna Niequist became successful by not trying to be
By Jonathan Merritt — August 19, 2016
Shauna refused to live in another's shadow. Going forward, her notable relatives may be known by their relation to her.
Who was Mary Magdalene? New book explores the life of the saint
By Emily McFarlan Miller — July 21, 2016
(RNS) The biblical figure of Mary Magdalene has been 'interpreted and misinterpreted, just as Jesus has been interpreted and misinterpreted,' according to historian Michael Haag.
Top nun pushes for greater role for Catholic women
By David Gibson — May 18, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) “It’s not just a question of feminism, it’s a question of our being baptized, that gives us the duty and the right to be part of the decision-making processes,” said Sister Carmen Sammut.
5 faith facts about Harriet Tubman: ‘American Moses’ is coming to $20 bill
By RNS staff — April 20, 2016
(RNS) The faith of Harriet Tubman is indisputable. Here are 5 faith facts about the abolitionist, famed conductor of the Underground Railroad and reported new face of the $20 bill.
Vatican newspaper essays say women should preach at Mass
By David Gibson — March 2, 2016
(RNS) The role has been reserved almost exclusively to the all-male priesthood for nearly 800 years.
Pope Francis opens foot-washing rite to women in gesture of inclusion
By David Gibson — January 21, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The change is likely to inflame debates over whether broadening the Holy Thursday service will send mixed signals about the all-male priesthood.
The first woman rabbi you never knew existed
By Jeffrey Salkin — October 22, 2015
(RNS) Why remember her now? Because December marks the 80th anniversary of her ordination. And because her memory had been hidden for so long.
Author Phyllis Tickle dies at 81 – a profile
By David Gibson — September 22, 2015
LUCY, Tenn. (RNS) After learning of her Stage IV lung cancer diagnosis last spring, the renowned spirituality author said: “Am I grateful for this? Not exactly. But I’m not unhappy about it. And that’s very difficult for people to understand.”
Mormon women salute historic step, envision even greater strides toward equity
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — August 20, 2015
SALT LAKE CITY – Installing three women to high-level leadership councils could have far-reaching consequences in a denomination led exclusively by men.
At Ramadan, an online petition for female Quran reciters
By Ken Chitwood — June 29, 2015
(RNS) Searching for a recitation from a female "qariah" or reciter, Jerusha Lamptey, assistant professor of Islam and ministry at Union Theological Seminary, found none.
She’s black, gay and soon you can call her ‘rabbi’
By Lauren Markoe — May 28, 2015
(RNS) Sandra Lawson was a personal trainer and religious about nothing but fitness. Now she's religious about Judaism.