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Reviewed by Patricia Farris, Senior Minister of the First United Methodist Church, Santa Monica, California The Leading Women: Stories of the First Women Bishops of The United Methodist Church by Judith Craig This book is dedicated to the first woman bishop of The United Methodist Church, Bishop Marjorie Swank Matthews, 1916-1985. Her courage and her witness animate its pages. Indeed, Bishop Judy Craig always counts her among the current women bishops and always puts her in the room when they have gathered to share stories and to testify to the powerful ways God’s Spirit continues to move through extraordinary “ordinary” people to renew the church. By doing so, Bishop Craig’s compilation makes it clear that the past is not behind us, nor is it something that happened a long time ago. The stories of our women bishops reveal that the beautiful progress made in growing their ranks to thirteen, as of the writing of this book, grows out of, builds upon and carries forward all the barrier-breaking stories of reluctance and resistance of women past and present. Each chapter of the book profiles one of these thirteen diverse pioneers. Bishop Craig interviewed each one, focusing on the influences of her early life, asking: “where did we come from? who are we? what kind of little girls were we, and when did the stirrings start that led us to be found and claimed by the church for such a moment?” The stories that emerge are truly testimonies, in the Wesleyan sense, testifying to the power of the living God at work for salvation, transformation and holiness in the life of the Christian. There are differences of circumstance—of age, of race, of economic status, of geography, of height, of personality, of family configuration—fascinating differences that enrich the whole and make it possible for all kinds of now little girls to project their futures into the lives of these bishops. But there are common threads as well: the importance of mentors and teachers, parents and grandparents; the meanderings of the Spirit’s call, sensed and claimed; the incubating power of worship and music; the formative influence of movements for change in racial equality, civil rights, women’s rights; global worldviews expanded through participation in missional initiatives of the church. The concluding chapter, a conversation among the group, brings the reader into the dynamics and challenges of women’s episcopal leadership. Their dreams and their vision, as well as their frustration and heartache, will sober but also inspire. This book should be read by a variety of people: Boards of Ordained Ministry, Boards of Laity, Episcopacy Committees, Pastor-Parish Relations Committees, that all might gain insight into dynamics experienced by women bishops, superintendents and clergy. Campus Ministers and pastors will find renewal in their role as mentors and vision-casters. Sunday School teachers and Youth group leaders will be inspired to consider potential leaders among the children and youth under their care. Anyone concerned about the “state of the church” will find insight and wisdom. Seminarians and pastors—men and women--will be challenged to consider how God might be calling them to give needed leadership to the church. Bishop Craig’s important work documents a major chapter in our “herstory.” It elicits admiration, gratitude and renewed commitment. It is a reminder of the systemic injustices yet to be eliminated from within our institution as well as from within our hearts. Like the scriptural story, it is a testament to the power of God to find and raise up and equip leaders for the church, often from unexpected sources. And finally, it personifies hope for a church sometimes unclear about its purpose and future. In the words of Bishop Huie: “Never give up on a dream. God’s grace and guidance meet us in unexpected ways.”
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