The Passing of a Pioneer

The Rev. Katrina Swanson was laid to rest in Maine this weekend.

She and 10 other women made headlines and rocked the Episcopal hierarchy on July 29, 1974, in Philadelphia, Pa., when they became the first women ordained priests in the denomination. Three of the four surviving members of the "Philadelphia 11" presided at Swanson's funeral. (Bangor Daily News)

From that point forward we would find women regularly in the pulpits of churches of many denominations in the US. Of course, the most recent product of this 'radical' act in 1974 was the election of the Right Rev. Katharine Jefforts Schori to be presiding bishop of the Episcopal church.

It can be hard to break with traditions and move in new directions. To do so requires that we be open to what God may call us to do, rather than simply to our interpretation of what we think God is.

The call to ordain women was a call to do God's justice. A call that was wisely answered by the church, and by Rev. Swanson.

GP