Is the process of ‘formation’ or ministerial education in the Church of England, Baptist churches and other mainstream Christian denominations in the UK an exercise in power that needs to be resisted if marginalised voices are to be heard? May She Speak in the Name of the Father examines how women’s voices and experiences can be silenced and discredited during training, particularly in relation to preaching, examining first the context and culture of formation, particularly in the Church of England, then approaches to homiletics and show how widely accepted approaches act to silence women’s voices. Liz Shercliff goes well beyond a critique of institutions and practices by offering practical suggestions for inclusive pedagogical approaches.
Based on years of experience and conversation with women training for Anglican ministry, and a lively commitment to embodied preaching Shercliff has produced a grounded and inspiring piece of work that is essential reading for all involved in preaching and ministerial education. This volume is an important contribution to homiletics, theological education and ministerial training.