She is a Priest
My mother was ordained an Episcopal priest on January 15, 1994, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills. I was ten years old, and her being ordained wasn’t odd to me in the slightest. I’d watched for years as my mother juggled family life and seminary, pool days, and bedside hospital visits–a delicate balancing act of a woman called to be a priest and a mother who ferociously loved her two young children. Her being ordained a priest was what came next, right?
It didn’t take long after my mother’s ordination to find out that her being a priest was not ‘normal’ to a lot of people.
Twenty years earlier, on July 29, 1974, at the Church of the Advocate in Philadelphia, eleven women became the first female priests in the Episcopal Church. This historic move was orchestrated by three retired bishops—Daniel Corrigan, Robert L. DeWitt, and Edward R. Welles II—who, acting out of deep conviction and a sense of justice, defied the church’s official stance that barred women from the priesthood.
The impact of the Philadelphia Eleven’s ordination was immediate–both intense opposition and widespread support spread through the Church. Initially, the Episcopal Church declared their ordinations invalid, maintaining that church law had been breached. However, the courageous act of these women and the bishops who ordained them ignited a crucial dialogue about inclusivity and justice within the church. Their ordination was the catalyst for change.
In 1976, just two years after the ordination of the Philadelphia Eleven, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church officially sanctioned the ordination of women, forever opening the doors for countless women to follow in their footsteps.
But neither I, at ten, nor the neighborhood kids knew all this. Somehow, the subject came up, and our roller hockey game skidded to a halt, “Girls can’t be priests,” said the neighborhood boys.
“Well, my mom is.” I responded defensively while questioning my lived reality. The other boys were so certain… I didn’t change any minds that day, but the truth remains–my mother is a priest.
In the mid-90s, the idea of a woman being a priest was still new. Our next-door neighbor, Nancy, went door to door on our culdesac and explained the accomplishment to our neighbors. Everyone on the block signed a card, but I can imagine the looks of confusion on some of my neighbors’ faces while Nancy described my mother’s ordination.
Today, the legacy of the Philadelphia Eleven is one of bravery, resilience, and transformative impact. Their courage paved the way for generations of women clergy in the Episcopal Church. But it also underscored the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of institutional resistance.
The ordination of the Philadelphia Eleven was not just a milestone for the Episcopal Church; it resonated throughout broader movements for gender equality and civil rights of the 1970s. Their ordination coincided with a period of significant social upheaval and change in the United States, where issues of gender, race, and equality were being intensely debated and redefined. By stepping into roles that had been exclusively male, these women challenged religious norms and contributed to the larger narrative for equal opportunities in all spheres of life. Their bravery and resolve became a symbol of the broader fight against discrimination, inspiring many beyond the walls of the church.
In the decades since, the influence of the Philadelphia Eleven has continued to ripple through the Episcopal Church and other religious communities. Their story has been a beacon of hope for many who feel called to ministry but face significant barriers. The increase of women in clergy roles has unquestionably enriched the Church.
Thank you, Merrill Bittner, Alison Cheek, Emily Hewitt, Alla Bozarth-Campbell, Carter Heyward, Suzanne Hiatt, Marie Moorefield Fleischer, Jeannette Piccard, Betty Bone Schiess, Katrina Swanson, and Nancy Hatch Wittig, for paving the way for countless women, like my mother, to share the love of Christ with the people as priests.
In the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, you do not need to look far to see the impact of female clergy. In 2005, over 30 years after the ordination of the Philadelphia Eleven, only five congregations were led by women in EDSD. Today, in 2024, over half of the churches in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego have had a woman rector or vicar at one point in their history. And over 30% of EDSD’s congregations are actively led by women today.
Whether you look to examples like Bishop Susan Brown Snook, the first female diocesan bishop in San Diego, Dean Penelope Bridges, the first female dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in San Diego, or any of the other incredible female leaders in our diocese, it is clear that our Church would be less without their voices and leadership.
Today, it’s not so rare to meet a woman who is a deacon, a priest, or a bishop.
…and that makes me happy.
by
Category: #Communications
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I am grateful for the bravery of those persons who paved the way for women to respond to the call to serve God’s purposes through church leadership, pastoral ministry!
I attended St James for two years(2010-2011) and was cared for and ministered to by Rev. Anne. I am so thankful for women who respond to our Lord’s call.
Thank you for sharing your lived experience and reminding how much progress we have made.
Wonderful article Chris. Did you know that St David’s had the first woman Senior Warden, Gwen Hunter, AND the first woman Rector, Susan Tobias, in the diocese?
Thank you, Chris, for sharing your mother’s and your own part in the great, ongoing story of the evolution of leadership in Christ’s Church. I will celebrate the 42nd anniversary of my own ordination to Christ’s ministry of Word and Sacrament, on this Thursday, July 25, 2024 – the date which I like to call “Christmas in July.”
The LCA and ALC both ordained their 1st woman pastors in 1970 – that began a spring welling up into a stream of ordinations of women in the Lutheran faith tradition, which was added to with the “Philadelphia 11” in 1974, and through the ensuing years has become a river flowing in many of the Protestant faith traditions of Christianity – Thanks be to God and to the evolving openness to the Christ-Spirit’s leading in the Christian Church on earth!
“May all be well and all be well, and all manner of thing be well,” as Julian of Norwich liked to say…
Well done Chris! Thank you for telling your story but in a real sense telling all our stories. You have remarkable mother and she a remarkable son. Thank you!
Thank you for this article and the great picture of your mother’s ordination, Chris! She is an amazing priest and has been a guide and role model for me in my ministry. I trust that she is healthy and enjoying a peaceful retirement.
Bravo Chris, I’m happy for you and for your Mom. We are proud to have the sister of Nancy Wittig as a parishioner at St. Paul in the Desert. The Rev. Cannon Victoria Hatch is loved and beloved as a person and priest for the amazing love she shares with the world. We ARE truly blessed in the Diocese of San Diego !!
Thanks Chris for sharing some of your story! Your mother is a remarkable person. Just being a mom was job enough. But the call she received pushed her to do more. For that, we should all be grateful to her, the Philadelphia Eleven and to all who open doors to others.
Years ago, probably in early to mid 90s, my last 2 children attended a Choir Camp at Wrightwood. It was finished off attending services at All Saints. The choir director/organist , Chris ? ) there had been a assistant at St. Paul’s. There was a woman priest who was extremely well liked. In fact the Presbyterian church across the alley that was losing membership to All Saints. The Sunday service s were jammed packed. I don’t remember the Priest’s name; but I don’t think it was your last name , was extremely active in the community and beyond. She was involved in an AID s program at LA County-USC Medical Center (I worked there from 1969-1975); so it was one of those tidbits of information that stuck with me. The last year of the camp, my 2 girls stayed with a family; I believe Gabriel Ferrar ?? His wife was daughter was of Pat Boone (I believe) but we did know this until after the fact. A 30 year long term memory; so names may be incorrect. Thank you reminding me of a fond experience.
Thank you Chris for this report. I have met your mother and she is delightful! I also enjoyed seeing my favorite bishop in your photo, Fred Borsch. I attended a screening of the film about the Philadelphia 11 when it was shown two days ago at the church in Ramona. This is especially on my mind and in my heart as I prepare to preach Saturday at the installation of the first woman rector at St. Timothy’s.
God bless you, and may your good work continue!
Three cheers for your Mom, Mr. Tumilty, and your article–I enjoyed it very much. Well done. Thank you.
Thank you Chris, for your spiritual sharing regarding the priesting of your mother and what it means and has meant to you. Also the entire article was very informative as I’m sure a number of parishioners still don’t know the whole story of the Philadelphia 11 and what it continues to mean in our church at large.
AS for myself as I continue to be called to proclaim the word of our Lord Jesus Christ through the printed word
by bringing the books from parish to parish and also for special functions.
May our Lord continue to Bless you in your ministry now and always.
FHS,
Kathryn Bunch
Excellent Chris!! So beautifully written. For so many, this is a powerful story unheard and so important to remember. Well done
Extremely well written. Thanks for your insight.
B A Hiller
St Luke’s North Park
Thank you Chris for being vulnerable with your story. I’m a transgender male looking forward to ordination only because in the Episcopal Church we are equally called and welcomed to the priesthood. This makes me happy. We still face opposition but with that comes unique opportunities to “path the Way” like others. Listen Love Pray. Peace to you and your mother
A wonderful story. You must be so proud of your mother!