Read Part One HERE
In this post I will continue to focus on a woman named Ida Gage. She lived from 1849 - 1921. Like B.T. Roberts, Ida believed that the Free Methodist Church could not support racial equality and ignore gender inequality. Her debate at the 1890 Conference shows her spirit and fire as she defends her right to minister after Olin Owen, a delegate from the Dudquehanna Conference, speaks up in opposition to women in leadership.
Ida noted that she felt called to preach and the opposition to ordaining women is very much like the opposition to free slaves. She noted as well that she has gone to areas where no pastor was within twenty miles. While there people would beg her to baptise their babies, but she didn't have the authority. The only reason for this was "the bureaucracy of the denomination."
Ida clearly had a gift of oratory and was an eloquent and passionate public speaker. While much of her personal history is missing, we know that by 1880 she has moved to Michigan, where she preached and lived with relatives.
Read Part Nine HERE
No comments:
Post a Comment