Christlike Matriarchy
The Book of Common Prayer, a cornerstone of our collective Episcopal worship, is replete with references that evoke the divine feminine essence. Yet, the Church’s leadership structure remains incongruously patriarchal, a stark contrast to the nurturing spirit of the liturgy, and in insult to the single’s ministry.
The term “Mother Church” is not a mere titular designation. It embodies the Church’s True essence, reflecting the nurturing, compassionate, and life-experience-affirming qualities that Christ championed. The Gospel of Luke (13:34) captures this sentiment when Jesus exclaims, “How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings.” This maternal imagery underscores the Church's true nature: Feminine. Luke doesn’t say “… as a cock gathers HIS brood under HIS wings,” the feminine is the protector that draws the brood into her accepting embrace, not the masculine.
The Episcopal Church has an opportunity to be the genesis of a necessary paradigm shift in Episcopal leadership by embracing the divine feminine. The inherent sexism of society, rooted in a heteronormative, cis, white Christian framework, perpetuates violence against women. This violence is not merely a societal anomaly but a manifestation of the deep-seated prejudices that find their roots in religious institutions. The Church, with its male-dominated leadership, inadvertently reinforces the very structures that marginalize women, perpetuating a cycle of violence and subjugation.
To counteract this, the Church must evolve, transitioning from patriarchal leadership to a matriarchal paradigm. We must embrace and accept that most Episcopal leadership must be women. By doing so, it can challenge the heteronormative, cis, white Christian narrative that has long dominated Western society. The Church’s leadership structure serves as a mirror to society, reflecting values and norms. If this mirror continues to showcase a patriarchal image, it tacitly endorses the systemic violence and discrimination women face.
In a world where women grapple with the repercussions of a heteronormative, cis, white Christian societal structure, the Church must be a beacon of change. By embracing matriarchal leadership and recognizing the divine feminine power, the Episcopal Church can truly embody Christ's teachings and champion equality. Only then can we hope to dismantle the oppressive structures that have long plagued our society and our faith, and forge a path towards genuine inclusivity and justice.