The Philadelphia Eleven

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’ Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. Luke 24:1-11

52 years ago, today, eleven women were ordained priests. Merrill Bittner, Alla Bozarth-Campbell, Allision Cheek, Emily Hewitt, Carter Heyward, Suzanne Hiatt, Marie Moorefield, Jeannette Pickard, Betty Bone Schiess, Katrina Swanson and Nancy Witting put their lives on the line so that others might follow. They were mocked, threatened, abused and subject to all means of discrimination. Several would become my teachers and friends. Bishops Daniel Corrigan, Robert Dewitt, and Edward Welles took on the responsibility of changing the church and giving women a true place among the clergy and, in time, bishops. Their extraordinary witness, their sacrifice, has made it possible for the world-wide Anglican Communion to include women as priests and bishops. We have a female Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally. Like the women at the tomb, these faithful women were met with disbelief and troubles. Yet they persisted, and I am forever grateful for their honesty, faith, humility and sacrifice.

Gracious Creator, you made a vast array of humankind

giving voices and skills to all of your lovely creation

and you have given us hearts of inclusion and love.

Our society's rules have changed over the decades

but women are still at risk for violence and abuse

and many are uncomfortable with women leaders.

Help us, Dear Lord, to welcome difference openly

put aside our fears and move us to welcoming

and make our heart ready to carry the Good News. Amen.