Women at the Altar: A Gift to the Episcopal Church
For many of us at Christ Church, women leading worship feels so normal that we hardly think twice. Two generations have now grown up in the Episcopal Church hearing the gospel proclaimed and the sacraments celebrated in women’s voices. Our own parish has been blessed by the leadership of extraordinary clergywomen: The Rev’d Mthr. Doris Graf Smith, our third rector, The Rev’d Dcn. Swiss Britt; and The Rev’d Mthr. Linda Pineo, among others.
And yet, we must never take this for granted. The “Philadelphia Eleven,” who broke into ordained life in 1974, remind us that the Church’s affirmation of women’s leadership was not inevitable—it was a faithful decision rooted in Scripture.
The Bible tells us plainly: the Samaritan woman at the well became the first evangelist, proclaiming Jesus as Messiah. The first witnesses to the resurrection—the central proclamation of the Christian faith—were women, sent to announce the good news to the apostles. Paul commends Junia, a woman, as “prominent among the apostles” (Romans 16:7), and entrusts Phoebe with delivering and interpreting his most important letter to the Romans (Romans 16:1–2). All ordained ministry in our tradition is rooted in proclaiming the risen Christ, and women were entrusted with that task from the very beginning.
As the child of a clergywoman in the United Methodist Church, and as one surrounded by faithful female colleagues in the Episcopal Church, I give thanks for how far we have come—and I remain mindful of how much work lies ahead to maintain a future where all whom God calls may serve without prejudice.
So today, let me name ten unique gifts clergywomen bring to the life of the church—gifts we would not know if we had silenced their voices:
Faithful proclamation – Women stand in the apostolic line of the first resurrection witnesses, reminding us that all voices are needed to tell the good news.
Pastoral wisdom – Many clergywomen embody a nurturing presence that reflects the maternal imagery Scripture uses for God.
Breaking barriers – Their leadership itself preaches the gospel of liberation, showing that in Christ “there is no male or female” (Galatians 3:28).
Embodied diversity – Clergywomen model that the church is fullest when it reflects all of humanity, not just half.
Prophetic courage – The struggle for ordination has given many clergywomen a deep well of resilience and truth-telling.
Collaborative leadership – Women often lead in ways that emphasize partnership, shared responsibility, and community.
Expansive theological vision – Their lived experiences bring new perspectives to preaching, teaching, and sacramental life.
Healing presence – Clergywomen have opened doors for many who felt unseen, marginalized, or silenced in the church.
Generational witness – For young people, growing up seeing women at the altar affirms God’s call to every baptized person.
Joyful proclamation – At their best, clergywomen embody what all Christian leadership is meant to be: pointing us to the risen Christ with joy.
This is not social progress for its own sake. It is Scripture, faithfully read and lived out. It is the Church remembering that the Spirit blows where it wills—and that sometimes the holiest thing we can do is listen.
Pax et Bonum!
Fr. Ben +
