Pamela Durso, President of Central Seminary, and Meredith Stone, Executive Director of Baptist Women in Ministry, delve into the often-overlooked history of women in the Southern Baptist Convention. They explore the groundbreaking legacy of St. Fabiola, a 4th-century pioneer, and its relevance today. The discussion highlights the contentious 1984 meeting that shaped women's roles in the SBC, the struggles for ordination and recognition, and the ongoing challenges women face within the church. Their insights shine a light on resilience and advocacy in a male-dominated space.
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St. Fabiola's Defiance and Ministry
St. Fabiola, a wealthy Roman woman, defied societal norms by divorcing her abusive husband and remarrying.
Despite facing public scrutiny, she devoted her life to helping the sick and poor, founding the first public hospital in Western Europe.
insights INSIGHT
1984 SBC Meeting and Women's Roles
In 1984, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) held a pivotal meeting in Kansas City, addressing women's roles in ministry.
A resolution aimed to restrict women from pastoral and leadership positions, sparking controversy within the denomination.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Addie Davis: The First Ordained Woman
Addie Davis, the first ordained woman in the SBC, faced significant backlash, including hate mail.
Despite the opposition, she persevered, pastoring a church in Vermont and paving the way for other women in ministry.
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Jamar Tisby's "The Color of Compromise" examines the history of racial reconciliation in the American church. Tisby argues that white Christians have often failed to fully confront their complicity in systemic racism. The book explores various historical examples and theological arguments to support this claim. Tisby challenges readers to acknowledge the ongoing impact of racial injustice and to actively work towards dismantling it. He offers a framework for understanding and addressing racial issues within the context of Christian faith. The book has sparked significant debate and discussion within Christian circles.
In the debut episode of All the Buried Women, co-hosts Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke aim to uncover women’s stories hidden in the Southern Baptist Convention’s archives. The story begins in an unexpected place for a podcast about Southern Baptists: 4th-century Rome with Saint Fabiola. Because Fabiola challenged religious and societal norms, her story has become a safe harbor for women with similar experiences… even women in the SBC. Fast forward to 1984, where a pivotal moment in Kansas City, Missouri, changed the trajectory of women’s roles in the Southern Baptist Convention. There’s a reason Orwell warned us about 1984. Listen to Episode 1 to find out more.
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): Jemar Tisby, Pamela Durso, Barry Hankins, and Meredith Stone
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 