For us men and for our salvation?: When feminism, ritual and liturgy collide

Much of the liturgy used in our church settings speaks overwhelmingly of male experience, language and shaping. Yet efforts to reimagine it have been deemed transgressive.
This day offers an opportunity to explore together feminist words, liturgy and rituals.

Liturgy and ritual are rich and beautiful gifts to enable, in part, the expression of human experience and Divine connection. Yet much of what is used in our church settings speaks overwhelmingly of male experience, language and shaping.

There has been work done to redress some of this balance, but often these efforts at reimagination have been deemed transgressive. This has perhaps led to a hesitancy in using words and rituals which express some of what it means to be women. For example, how can we mark miscarriage, menopause or an ‘empty nest’? Where are the words and rituals which allow lament around sexual violence? How can we celebrate the wonders of women’s bodies? This day offers an opportunity to explore together feminist words, liturgy and rituals. Participants will be invited to bring and share any of their own (or others’) experience in a safe space.

Tutor:
Ruth Wells is an ordained member of the Church of England, a feminist and a poet.

This course is run by Sarum College. Visit our courses and events diary to view the full course programme https://www.sarum.ac.uk/events

NOTE August 2020 - This course may revert to being held on Zoom depending on circumstances and numbers outside of anyone`s control