Screening of "The Philadelphia Eleven"

The struggle for women's inclusion in church leadership and ordination remains a pressing issue within many Christian denominations. This ongoing battle garnered widespread attention when the Southern Baptist Convention recently barred women from senior leadership roles. The historical roots of this struggle and the ongoing fight for gender equality within the church are powerfully documented in the new film, The Philadelphia Eleven.

The Philadelphia Eleven revisits a pivotal moment in 1974 when eleven women were ordained to the Episcopal priesthood in Philadelphia, defying the church's constitution and canons which restricted ordination to men. This courageous act broke through the so-called stained-glass ceiling, providing hope and inspiration to Christian women worldwide.

The film tells the stories of these remarkable women who faced significant personal risks and institutional rejection. Despite these challenges, they succeeded in transforming an age-old institution and remain a beacon of hope for future generations of women in ministry.