“Lady Father” is a narrative account of one woman’s journey through the ordination process in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia of the 1980’s and the subsequent years of ordained ministry. As the first female admitted to the ordination process by the Rt. Rev. C. Charles Vaché, 7th Bishop of Southern Virginia, who was then a strong and vocal opponent of the ordination of women, she was a “reluctant pioneer.” Dubbed “the Lady Father,” she has served the church for 25 years and is now offering her experiences and the insights she learned from them to others who feel a similar call and who may find themselves on a journey “against the flow.”
“Lady Father” is filled with anecdotes that will ring true with many clergy, bring hope to those aspiring to ordination, and shed light on the continuing debate in the Church over who should be ordained. “The Process” described in the book is a journey most clergy have traveled, but her story is a unique blend of the obstacles, denials, and rejections she faced and overcame, along with the uplifting moments and spiritual growth that came out of the struggle. It is truthful and so, at times, it is painful; it is often light-hearted, even humorous; it is moving as it deals with real people, real events, and real emotions; and, most of all, the author says, “It is mine – my story, my journey, my life.”
Tags: Lady Father, memoir, inspirational, woman priest, discrimination of women
