A female perspective on religion in the American experience

American women have had an ambivalent experience with religion. It has served to suppress and to liberate. Opportunities for leadership provided a foundation for many of the women's movements. The move from voluntary leadership to a demand for the professional, remunerative positions raises traditional prejudices to which women have, historically and currently, responded in three ways.Her article is a revised version of an address presented at a Colloquium on Religion in the American Experience held at Jacksonville University, October 16–17, 1975.