In this conversation, Kathy Hoppe, an associate professor of psychology and former church planter, discusses her challenging journey as a woman in ministry within the Southern Baptist Convention. Robert Downen, a reporter focusing on extremist movements, sheds light on the influence of figures like Paul Pressler and Paige Patterson during the conservative resurgence. They explore the intersection of conviction and politics, the resilience of women in ministry, and the ongoing challenges of seeking recognition in a predominantly male-dominated church environment.
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insights INSIGHT
Early SBC Conflict on Women's Role
The 1970s and early 1980s were marked by a push-pull tension in the SBC regarding women's inclusion in ministry.
While some welcomed ordained women, others actively organized against their full inclusion, creating division.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Kathy Hoppe's Seminary Experience
Kathy Hoppe enrolled at Golden Gate Baptist Seminary in 1979 aiming for her MDiv despite subtle pressures steering women toward different degrees.
She felt supported early but noticed increased antagonism from peers as new students arrived.
insights INSIGHT
Strategic Conservative Takeover
The conservative resurgence in the SBC was a strategic political campaign led by Paul Pressler and Paige Patterson.
They aimed to control SBC leadership by electing sympathetic presidents and restructuring institutions over a decade.
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In Episode 2 of All the Buried Women, co-hosts Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke uncover the turbulent and hidden history of women in the Southern Baptist Convention. The story begins in the 1970s, an era of progress and pushback, and follows the journey of Kathy Hoppe, an ordained woman whose call to ministry intersected with a calculated takeover of the SBC. What happens when conviction collides with politics, and how do women respond when their calling is questioned? This episode reveals the invisible threads tying women’s resilience to a denomination shaped by control and conflict.
We reached out to the SBC, Paige Patterson, Darryl Gilyard, Tommy Gilmore, and the Council for National Policy for comment, and did not hear back.
Writing and Editing: Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke
Sound Editing and Music: Savannah Locke and Todd Locke
Introduction and Closing Song: Jaded by Savannah Locke
Special Thanks (in order of appearance): Kathy Hoppe, Barry Hankins, and Robert Downen
Partner Organization: The Bible for Normal People
Additional Thanks: Andy Clark, Systems Administrator within the University Libraries at Baylor University; Erin Smith, Marketing Manager at Baker Publishing Group; Jordan Corona; Dr. Taffey Hall, Director of the Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives; Brittany Prescott, Podcast Producer for The Bible for Normal People; Adam McCullough, Archivist of Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College; Gordon Heath, Director of Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College; Rev. Leanne Friesen, Executive Minister of Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec (CBOQ) and CBOQ executive board; and Audrey and Alex from Lawyers for Reporters.
All the Buried Women 