1 minute read
Feminist Studies in Liturgy
Convener: Chelsea Yarborough (Chelsea.yarborough@ptstulsa.edu) is Assistant Professor of African American Preaching, Sacred Rhetoric and Black Practical Theology at Phillips Theological Seminary, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Members in Attendance: Kathy Black, HyeRan Kim Cragg, Jill Crainshaw, Heather Murray Elkins, Elizabeth Freese, Marcia McFee, Susan Roll, Janet Walton, Khalia Williams, Chelsea Yarborough
Visitors: Renee Smithback, Anneli Loepp Thiessen, Becca Whitla
Description of Work: The Feminist Studies in Liturgy seminar spent significant time exploring the state of our seminar. We began with and opening liturgy led by Heather Murray Elkins, which became the central focus of the written submission from our group, as well as a time of reconnection and checking in. Then much of our first day was focused on reflecting on the history of the seminar, led by Janet Walton; examining our present; and imagining our future. In this discussion explored the what changes might need to be made in our seminar given the evolution of our membership and focus of studies, with an agreement that we should move toward a new name—Feminist and Womanist Studies in Liturgy. Our second day together included several presentations and concluded with a rich discussion on the Academy Committee’s proposal.
Papers and Presentations:
• Elizabeth Freese, “The Liturgical Impact of Covid.”
• Group discussion, “Reflecting on our Opening Liturgy.”
• Jill Crainshaw, “Liturgical Voices in the Public Square.”
• Chelsea Yarborough, “Lessons from Fannie Lou Hamer’s Proclamation.”
Other Work and Plans for the Future: We will look to have at least 3 papers presented next year that extend the conversations and presentations from this year, with additional topics suggested during the year.