Fr Alex Swain

Beloved in Christ,

Today we observe three female social reformers from the late 1800s and early 1900s (Sojourner Truth, 1883; Amelia Bloomer, 1894; Elizabeth Cady Stanton, 1902). I commend to you their entries in Lesser Feasts and Fasts on pages 316–319.

Sojourner grew up a slave in New York, born in 1797-98. She later was freed, and as a faithful Christian became a preeminent abolitionist, a preacher, and a strong supporter of women’s rights later in life—all while citing the Scriptures from memory, never having learned how to read or write.

Amelia Jenks Bloomer also fought for women’s rights, she thoughtfully pushed back against the male clergy who criticized her “less-than-feminine” fashion choices, and boldly argued against them with the scriptures at her side.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton organized the first Women’s Rights Convention in 1848 and called for the Church to take accountability over the oppression of women by misrepresenting and misusing the scriptures to support a hyper-male-dominating tradition.

All three did SO much more than just this.

They were not unlike the Prophets of old, who brought the faith of God to the rulers of the nations—to the people in power—and more often than not the people in power were not happy about it.

In the Gospel today, Jesus in praying just before he is to be arrested. “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.”

I wonder how often these women prayed something similar? They often faced severe criticism and violence.

As they felt the call of the Holy Spirit to reform the nation did their prophetic voice seek the support and comfort of the Lord?

They undoubtedly did.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton, writing to Susan B. Anthony, wrote, “Do not feel depressed, my dear friend; what is good in us is immortal, and if the sore trials we have endured are sifting out pride and selfishness, we shall not have suffered in vain.”

These three profoundly faithful, and profoundly important, women demonstrate the resilience of a life being lead in response to the will of God. How might we look to them to be inspired to be led by the Spirit in our own generation?

May blessed Elizabeth, Amelia, and Sojourner all pray for us to the Lord our God!

Yours in Christ,

—Fr Alex