Sara Maitland – författare

Most feminists have turned away from the Christian churches, regarding both Catholicism and the protestant denominations as bastions of sexism and patriarchal oppression. However, Christian feminists committed to improving the position of Christian women and to the spiritual renewal of their respective churches are drawing inspiration for their struggles from the contemporary Women’s Movement. In this study Sara Maitland looks at what has been happening to Christian women in general, and Christian feminists in particular, over the last fifteen to twenty years. She sets their experiences in the framework of the history of the churches and reviews it in the light of events such as the Second Vatican Council, the ordination of Baptist and Episcopal women ministers in America and Britain, and the debate about the ordination of women in the Anglican communion. She argues that the insights gained by Christian feminists put them in a unique position to prophesy to their respective churches, leading them back to the Gospel imperatives of love, justice and freedom, and that an understanding and acceptance of this role of women is crucial to the well-being of the whole Church. As well as studying the history, theology and institutional structures of the denominational churches, the book uses a wealth of interview material from both sides of the Atlantic to describe the experiences of women from many different backgrounds, including nuns, women priests and lay workers. Sara Maitland concludes that Christianity can and must pass beyond the long centuries of oppression and division into ‘a new country’, a country in which women and men are equally ‘made in the image of God’.

First published in 1983.

Most feminists have turned away from the Christian churches, regarding both Catholicism and the protestant denominations as bastions of sexism and patriarchal oppression. However, Christian feminists committed to improving the position of Christian women and to the spiritual renewal of their respective churches are drawing inspiration for their struggles from the contemporary Women’s Movement. In this study Sara Maitland looks at what has been happening to Christian women in general, and Christian feminists in particular, over the last fifteen to twenty years. She sets their experiences in the framework of the history of the churches and reviews it in the light of events such as the Second Vatican Council, the ordination of Baptist and Episcopal women ministers in America and Britain, and the debate about the ordination of women in the Anglican communion. She argues that the insights gained by Christian feminists put them in a unique position to prophesy to their respective churches, leading them back to the Gospel imperatives of love, justice and freedom, and that an understanding and acceptance of this role of women is crucial to the well-being of the whole Church. As well as studying the history, theology and institutional structures of the denominational churches, the book uses a wealth of interview material from both sides of the Atlantic to describe the experiences of women from many different backgrounds, including nuns, women priests and lay workers. Sara Maitland concludes that Christianity can and must pass beyond the long centuries of oppression and division into ‘a new country’, a country in which women and men are equally ‘made in the image of God’.

First published in 1983.

Whether you are a total beginner or looking to improve your skills, The Writer''s Way offers clear and no-nonsense guidance on the art of creative writing. Award-winning author Sara Maitland is the perfect companion on this journey - providing practical advice and motivation to help hone your craft. Including 40 literary exercises for you to work through, this book will help you: • Decide on your project• Establish useful writing habits• Experiment with different forms• Overcome writers block• Submit your work to publishers• And much moreWhether you read it in one sitting, or take your time working through the exercises as you go, this is a terrific book to get you going and keep you going, on the writer''s way.

The Writer''s Way is a comprehensive and rewarding introduction to the art of creative writing. Its no-nonsense yet accessible tone and practical contents make it the perfect guide, whether you are a raw beginner of you have started writing and are looking for friendly guidance to help develop your talent.

Distinguished author Sara Maitland has an extensive background in teaching creative writing and is the perfect companion for this journey of self discovery. She knows the potential pitfalls confronting every writer - the lack of confidence or "block" that can strike at any time, leaving you literally lost for words - and draws on her vast experience to help you tackle them. She also shares with you the unrivalled joy writing can bring - the sheer pleasure she takes in her art lending her text a happy authority.

With 40 literary exercises sprinkled liberally throughout, you will never feel alone. Whether you read it in one sitting, or take your time working through the exercises as you go, this is a terrific book to get you going and keep you going, on the writer''s way.