Edgewise? What does it mean to be a lay woman?

Nine Anglican lay women tell their stories, in a very readable new book, edited by Hannah Ward and Jennifer Wild.

Once women were able to be ordained in the Church of England, where did that leave women who were committed to being lay?

Back in 2000, Hannah Ward and Jennifer Wild invited a group of twelve women to gather, to discuss, share experience reflect on their professional , church and social roles in relation to the church and in the community. This group has continued to meet for over 20 years, and in this book nine of the women have written about what it means to be committed to be ‘lay’ in the contemporary Church of England and in today’s world. 

It is fascinating, thoughtful snapshot of several lives and diverse experiences.

Some of the women worked in industrial chaplaincy, theological education, youth work and pastoral care. others worked in the secular world, with different experiences in and out of the church , over the years.

Hannah and Jennifer have edited a number of books together, but this time they themselves are contributors, and key players in this wonderful story of a group of women who met for over twenty years.

Published by Darton, Longman and Todd
https://www.dartonlongmantodd.co.uk/titles/2326-9781913657260-edgewise

Also available to borrow at the Kinder Library library@kinderlibrary.ac.nz