Reconciling Catholicism and Feminism?: Personal Reflections on Tradition and Change

In this collection of essays, 22 writers, historians, theologians and feminists thoughtfully reflect on their own personal experiences with the Catholic Church. The essayists describe how they have, or in some cases have not, come to terms with a church that does not permit them full participation. In so doing, they offer practical suggestions for ways in which the Church can become more open to the concerns of its progressive members. Radford Ruether, who provides a brief history of 20th-century reform movements; internationally-known journalist Mary Kenny, who writes on the abortion debate in Ireland; Pulitzer Prize winner Madeleine Blais, who discusses her youth in parochial schools; short-story writer and New Yorker contributor Jean McGarry, who describes the clash of Catholic and secular cultures; and Grail co-founder Janet Kalven, who depicts the history of this widely recognized religious reform movement. Ebest provide context for these personal and poignant essays. In a format that is easily accessible to general readers, Reconciling Catholicism and Feminism? explores issues of concern to progressive and feminist Catholics, including abortion, birth control, clerical celibacy and the ordination of women.

Sally Barr Ebest is associate professor of English and Director of the Writing Program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Ron Ebest teaches courses in literature and writing at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.