Documentary Screening of The Philadelphia Eleven at Christ Church, New Bern

Watch The Philadelphia Eleven, a compelling new documentary film about the first women to become Episcopal priests at Christ Church, New Bern.

In 1974, no canon specifically forbade women from becoming priests in The Episcopal Church, but diocesan standing committees and bishops to that point had almost uniformly rejected women’s requests for ordination to the priesthood. On July 29, 1974, three retired bishops agreed to ordain the 11 women, even though doing so without the approval of diocesan leadership could be seen as violating canonical law and church tradition. Church leaders debated the validity of the women’s ordinations for two years until General Convention approved a new section of the church’s ordination canons in September 1976 saying its provisions “shall be equally applicable to men and women.”

The film shows how a brave group of women shattered the stained-glass ceiling by challenging the very core of patriarchal culture to seek ordination as priests in the Episcopal Church. It is a powerful story of faith and conviction. It is a story for all of us, regardless of faith tradition.

Their story prompts questions such as what does a just and inclusive community look like in practice? How do we break down barriers with grace and remain true to ourselves in the process? How do we, as either the protagonist or as an ally, stand up to institutions that do not allow people to be who they are called to be? How do we practice radical inclusivity?

Join Christ Church, New Bern for lunch and a screening of the film, beginning at 12:00 pm, Saturday, March 16th. Scan the QR code below or go to http://tinyurl.com/philly11ccnb to register. A $10 donation is suggested.