Nevertheless — American Methodists and Women’s Rights
2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. While some things have changed, others haven’t.
This book tells the story of American Methodist women’s efforts fight for women’s rights, beginning with the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and ending with the #MeToo movement. Each chapter documents particular Methodist women and provides the reader with a basic historic context of the time or situation at hand as it shows how Methodist women engaged and fought for women’s equality or women’s rights in American society and American Methodism.
The faith of these Methodist women emboldened them to reach beyond their social confines to find political avenues of social justice. As women engaged in mission, they sought to not simply fix social ills but to prevent them from happening again. They addressed the causes of oppression; and by stepping out of their place, made a place for others.
Ashley Boggan Dreff, PhD is Director of Women and Gender Studies, Assistant Professor of Religion, High Point University, High Point North Carolina. She is author of Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality, winner of the 2019 Saddlebag Award.
Praise for Nevertheless
“Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff has done an outstanding job capturing the stories of the female saints of the past on whose shoulders women leaders in the Methodist movement stand. From Frances Willard, to Anna Howard Shaw, to Mrs. Dorothy Tilly and many more, we are reminded of the struggles and disruptions many women faced in order for women to stand and lead today. As one who helps lead at Global Ministries, I am proud to continue to carry on the legacy of so many women who fought for justice, freedom, and equality for all throughout the world. Thank you for sharing this wisdom ‘for such a time as this.’”
—Amy Valdez Barker, Executive Director of Global Mission Connections at the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church
“Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women’s Rights accomplishes the rare feat of time-travel by weaving together effortlessly the past, present, and future of Methodist women’s action for social holiness. Five systemic issues—voting rights, racial equity, gender equality, abortion access, and sexual harassment—have galvanized the energy, passion, persistence, and faith of Methodist women in their pursuit of an equitable society. While much has been accomplished, much still remains. In that regard, Dreff’s work is both timely and sorely needed.”
—Priscilla Pope-Levison, Associate Dean for External Programs & Professor of Ministerial Studies, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University
Wesley’s Foundery Books is an imprint of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church. These books are clearly and accessibly written, with an emphasis on church life and ministry. Representing the rich diversity of the church, Wesley’s Foundery Books offer a disciplined and balanced approach and are available in the U.S. and U.K. GHBEM Publishing is an affiliate member of the Association of University Presses.
