Frederica Harris Thomsett

Deeper Joy: Lay Women and Vocation in the 20th Century Episcopal Church Frederica Harris Thomsett

Marc Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index. Publisher Marketing: Throughout the 20th century lay women in the Episcopal Church, often acting in isolation and without institutional support, offered a powerful witness of leadership, vocation, and theological resilience. "Deeper Joy" studies groups of women with similar callings yet located in diverse settings throughout church and society such as schools, hospitals, and other civic institutions. The topics presented here reflect new historical perspectives and unexplored primary materials, including interviews that bear on all women's ministries, hence addressing neglected and important aspects of life in the American church. After an introductory chapter on women and vocation, five major sections will explore lay women's vocations through the lenses of community life, education, mission, civic life, and working for change from within the Episcopal Church. Topics include Anglican sisterhoods, the Companions of the Holy Cross, the deaconess movement, women of the New Deal, women in foreign missions, the settlement house movement, and women in education. The views of African-American, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American women are all represented. A concluding chapter addresses future directions for leadership and service.

Contributor Bio:  Thomsett, Frederica Harris Dr. Frederica Harris Thomsett is the Mary Wolfe Professor of Historical Theology at the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA. Contributor Bio:  Kujawa-Holbrook, Sheryl A Dr. Sheryl A. Kujawa-Holbrook, an Episcopal priest, is a popular teacher, speaker and retreat leader on topics related to Christian spirituality, mysticism, social activism and interreligious encounter. A professor of practical theology at Claremont School of Theology, Claremont Lincoln University, and professor of Anglican studies at Bloy House, the Episcopal Theological School at Claremont, she is author of Hildegard of Bingen: Essential Writings and Chants of a Christian Mystic Annotated & Explained and Pilgrimage The Sacred Art: Journey to the Center of the Heart, among other books. Contributor Bio:  Thompsett, Fredrica Harris Thompsett is professor of Church History at the Episcopal Divinity School of Cambridge, Massachusetts. A popular conference leader, lecturer, and participant in worldwide Anglican dialogue.