Abigail Adams frequently offered wisdom, insight and guidance to her husband, John, on politics and governance.
In a letter on March 31, 1776, a few months before the Declaration of Independence was signed, she wrote, “I long to hear that you have declared an independency. And, by the way, in the new code of laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would remember the ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors.”
“Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands,” she urged. “Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies we are determined to foment a Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.”
Women would not gain the federal right to vote in the U.S. until 144 years later when the 19th Amendment was ratified.
While the American Revolution was a remarkable moment in time, we must not forget the revolutionary cry for freedom was not extended to all Americans.
In most of the world, through most of history, women have had to work, demand and insist upon an equality with men. Much of this hard struggle was against a powerful patriarchal system.
Rooted in narrow religious interpretations, and in some cases outright theological malpractice, women were lowered to a second-tier status.
They were portrayed as the weaker and more vulnerable gender, a false claim crafted through an overzealous masculinity.
This false mindset gave rise to a growing theological and cultural patriarchy. This patriarchal system accepted without question its self-prescribed exceptionalism, and it resented women who demanded equal treatment.
Throughout 2018, we have heard and seen stories and situations when egalitarian justice collided with the powerful patriarchy. We have been reminded that the struggle for equality continues.
EthicsDaily has taken a strong position when it comes to biblical egalitarianism. We believe that God created both man and woman as equals, forever encouraging a mutual submission to each other based on love and respect.
As created beings, males and females equally stand guilty before a holy God and equally bask in God’s grace for their sins.
We have seen the emergence of the #MeToo and #ChurchToo movements, as women stood up heroically against the patriarchy and for the common good, daring to tell their stories.
Hoping to support these courageous women, EthicsDaily published editorials and sought out columnists to address the issue with theological reflection and courageous conviction.
In addition to our commitment to decency and equality, EthicsDaily was also proud to partner with Baptist Women in Ministry to produce the first installment in a series of short documentary films highlighting women senior pastors.
For too long, Baptist churches have supported women in ministry theologically but seldom provided an opportunity for those women to serve in local churches. EthicsDaily is committed to seeing those opportunities increase.
The EthicsDaily and BWIM partnership will keep sharing inspiring stories of female pastors who have overcome challenges, seized opportunities and flourished as pastors in their local churches.
In addition, we are hoping these stories will inspire young girls to consider whether God might be calling them to pastoral ministry and provide a wider door in the local church for female ministers to enter.
The only way we can continue supporting egalitarian theology and equitable practices is through the financial support of our readers, viewers and supporters.
If you want to watch more inspiring stories of female pastors and see a new generation of women leaders emerge through our work, we invite you to invest in the future work of EthicsDaily and our collaborative efforts.
No donation is too small; we appreciate and value every dollar given to the cause of supporting biblical ethics and advocating for social justice around the world.
After almost 250 years, we at EthicsDaily agree with Abigail Adams: Let’s remember the ladies and join in their rebellion for equal treatment and rights in the culture and the church.
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