Join us for a special screening of The Philadelphia Eleven, a compelling new documentary film about the first women to become priests in The Episcopal Church.
The film shows how a brave group of women and their supporters shattered the stained-glass ceiling on July 29, 1974, 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 that covers a profound time of change for the whole church. It is a story for all of us, regardless of gender or faith tradition.
DINNER & DISCUSSION
Following the screening, we’ll have a dinner, panel discussion, and time for us to share reflections from screening the film.
Our host for the evening will be our rector, The Rev. Tom Cook and our Assistant Rector, The Rev. Christy Stang, will serve as our panel facilitator. Our panelists will share memories, insights, and perspectives on this important historical event and the impact its had on their lives.
OUR PANELISTS
The Rev. Nancy Brantingham was ordained in 2005 in the diocese of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota. Nancy served in many roles within the church including as the Associate Rector of our parish. She is “looking forward to celebrating the brave women and men who made it possible for me and so many others to pursue the call to ordained ministry that I’d felt since childhood. They made my ministry possible.”
The Rev. Maryellen Garnier was orgdained a priest in the Episcopal Church. And while she was ordained at the time when ordination of women was no longer revolutionary, she looks forward to sharing the lessons she learned from her older female colleagues “about obstacles they faced on the way to ordination.”
Judy LeWin is a lifelong Episcopalian raised in a clergy family who maintains a strong belief in the “priesthood of all believers”. She is a retired Spiritual Director and she’s happy to be participating in this panel discussion. She’ll share her experiences as a Page in the House of Bishops during the 1976 General Convention of the Episcopal Church (held in Minneapolis) when the resolution finally passed approving the ordination of women into the priesthood.
The Rev. George Martin met Alla Bozarth-Campbell, one of the Philadelphia Eleven, at a Christian education conference one year after her ordination which was the same year he was called to be the Rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Minneapolis. In addition to being present at the 1976 General Convention when the historic resolution was passed, he was present on the day that Alla and Jeanne Piccard (another of the Philadelphia Eleven) were recognized as priests at a service held at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Minneapolis. In his time as a rector, he was pleased to serve alongside three female associates.
The Rev. Anna V. Ostenso Moore is an Episcopal priest, author, and facilitator of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota’s Racial Justice and Healing Commission. Women’s ordination was a primary reason she joined St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church as a teenager almost thirty years ago.
SCHEDULE
- 3:00 PM // Doors open for seating
- 3:30 – 5:00 PM // Film screening
- 5:00 – 5:45 PM // Dinner service
- 5:30 – 6:30 PM // Panel discussion and reflections
TICKETS
Tickets for this event are limited! We strongly encourage you to reserve yours in advance.
Two types of tickets are available
- Film Screening, Dinner & Discussion: You may reserve a ticket to attend the film screening, dinner, and discussion for $10/each. Dinner will include gluten-free and vegan options.
- Film Screening only: You may reserve a ticket to attend the screening at no cost.
Please Note: Ability to pay is NEVER a barrier to attending any event with St. Stpehen’s Episcopal Church. Please contact Molly Reichard, Minister for Community Engagement should you need assistance with payment.
