Negotiating the Pulpit: African-American Clergywomen’s Acceptance of Guest Speaking Invitations

Abstract

Using the concept of agency, this article examines the choices Black Clergywomen make when offered guest speaking engagements where they would be prohibited from speaking from the pulpit. In-depth interviews were conducted with eighteen African American clergywomen. Utilizing the concept of agency in gender-conservative religions, findings demonstrate that the women engage in resistance and empowerment through their acceptance or decline of invitations. Theory of agency in gender-conservative religions is advanced by demonstrating that the examination of a wider religious context, as opposed to a single denomination, may be useful in understanding agency.