Maureen Graham

Quaker tradition has affirmed and supported women ministers, a number of whom have become powerful leaders within their religious community and in the wider world. From her reading of the journals and writings of Rebecca Jones, Rachel Hicks, Elizabeth Fry, and Lucretia Mott, the author writes about the spiritual and psychological development of these women ministers, whose religious experiences enabled them to overcome inner doubts, withstand outer conflicts, and act with power and presence in their worlds.… (més)

In this fascinating pamphlet, Graham describes four prominent Quaker women who were recognized for and travelled in the ministry, in the 18th and 19th centuries. They differed in their understandings of self, God, and society, but they shared an empowering experience of the inward presence and direction of God, and they all committed their lives to the powerful ministry that they were guided to. Graham explains their historical context, their religious journeys, and their messages. This pamphlet is informative about both Quaker history and Quaker religious experience.
The Quaker practices of their days involved meeting for worship three times a week, family worship every day, and daily individual retirement and reflection. In the silence, they practiced inner examination, inner monitoring, feeling presence and guidance sometimes, discerning voices and guidance. They felt a calling to a life of faithfulness and service, experienced the presence and voice of God within, and received a gift of power to live and speak faithfully. They perceived an identity as a Quaker minister. They found inner authority along with presence.… (més)