Women, identity development and spirituality in the Anglican Church of Canada: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT This study investigated the interplay of gender and spirituality in the identity development of women within the religious institution of the Anglican Church of Canada. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to investigate the experiences and meaning making of the participants with regards to their identity development within their religious contexts, in order to better understand the influence of these phenomena on each other and to map a process of identity development that may be particular to women. Analysis revealed a framing theme of intergenerational journey, and the superordinate themes of disruption in integration, differentiation, and authenticity in integration.