Are consistent with the values of the Gospel as a discipleship of equals.
          Affirm equality and mutuality
               As expressed in feminist liberation theologies and spiritualities
          Challenge kyriarchy¹ and patriarchy
               In church and in society
          Seek justice
               With the oppressed, the poor, and the marginalized
               who are disproportionately women and children
          Effect social transformation and the realization of scriptural values -
               Love, compassion, justice, freedom, peace
          Celebrate inclusivity
               In structures, ministries, language, and images of the Divine
Value diversity
          Regarding ableness, age, class, ethnicity, gender, race, religion,
               sex, sexual orientation, symbol
Are committed to feminist praxis
          And feminist analyses of life struggles
Honor interpersonal relationships
          And the dignity and uniqueness of each person as bearer of the Holy.
Create new experiences of the Sacred:
          Connected with the Creator of All
          Empowered by the vision of Jesus
          Energized by Sophia.²
Foster interdependence
          Promote sacramentality
          Advocate an eco-feminist integrity of creation.
Are open to gifts of other religious traditions
          Recognizing church as ever-evolving
          In a pluralistic global context.

Liturgy

Is rooted in ancient traditions
Celebrates women  
Acknowledges sensuality  
Incorporates storytelling and the arts in celebration  
Ritualizes the sacred in everyday events and life passages  
Experiences the sacred as among us  
Treasures varied images of the sacred  
Values inclusive language  
Embodies the richness of diversity.

Community 

Is an interdependent discipleship of equals 
          Sharing power and decision-making 
Is a mutually empowering group 
          Which creates and effects ownership among the members
           And values non-violent interaction with all of creation. 
Encourages feminist critique of systems in church and society. 
Develops and enhances kinship
           Through mutual accountability and ongoing reflection. 

Notes

1. The word "kyriarchy" literally means "lordship." It is described by Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza as a "neologism ... coined to connote a complex systemic interstructuring of sexism, racism, classism and cultural-religious imperialism that has produced the Western 'politics of Otherness."' (Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, "Feminist/Women Priests--An Oxymoron?", New Women, New Church, Fall 1995, p. 18).

2. Sophia is the Greek word for "wisdom" and is found throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. In Proverbs, Sirach, and the Wisdom of Solomon, "wisdom" is personified as a woman who has significant relationships to both humans and the Divine. In recent years, feminist theologians have begun to use the name "Sophia" in place of "Holy Spirit." Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza has devoted significant attention to Woman Wisdom and to understanding Jesus as the messenger of Divine Sophia (Jesus: Miriam's Child, Sophia's Prophet, Continuum, 1994). See also Elizabeth Johnson (She Who Is, Crossroad, 1992). (Adapted from "Sophia/Wisdom" in Dictionary of Feminist Theologies, Letty M. Russell & J. Shannon Clarkson, Eds., Westminster Press, 1996).

Edited by Ethel Dignan, Rose Mary Meyer, Karen Schwarz and Ginny Williams (RIP). Affirmed by members of Women-Church Convergence, April 1999, Sanibel Island, Florida.