A Time for Honor: A Portrait of African American Clergywomen

Abstract

This chapter highlights some of the findings of a 1999 national study of 324 black female and 448 black male Master of Divinity graduates, with special attention given to the status of women in ministry.¹ How well are black women advancing as professionals within the ministerial ranks? In the face of sexism, there are clearly a few important factors that enhance the advancement of clergywomen. Among these are hard work and an understanding that the Scriptures, which on the surface appear prohibitive, were written for particular situations and not intended for universal application against all women for all time, everywhere. Another asset for female clergy is the acquisition of a graduate theological education. It better prepares them to serve God’s people. It helps women to see themselves in ways that the churches, which birthed their calls to ministry, often cannot. Further, it is clear that the Black Church needs affirmative action–type programs to open more doors for qualified female ministers. It will take time and resolve to deprogram the negative ideas that so many persons systematically have been taught about women in the pulpit. Sadly, such prohibitive teaching and preaching is still believed to be sacred truth in many places.