Women in ministry : Southern Baptists and Quakers

Abstract

Women have a long history of being excluded from leadership opportunities in our society. This exclusion still exists today, especially in many church settings. For example, the Southern Baptist Church is one primary denomination, along with many others, that does not allow a woman to be in the pulpit and serve as a senior minister. Quakers, however, are on the other end of the spectrum and allow this practice. They believe all are ministers and should serve in that capacity, regardless of gender. All are welcome to participate and serve in any role of the Quaker Church. This paper compares and contrasts the roles and involvement of women in leadership capacities in each of the two denominations.