| Description | In this address Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury explores the position of women within the Religious Society of Friends, examining the history of female spiritual equality within Quakerism.
Taylor Cadbury describes the position of women within the Society, referring to their 'liberty of action and equality of position' alongside male Quakers, and also remarking on 'the beneficial influence' of these responsibilities 'in the foundation of character.' She then considers the place of women Friends within the Society with regard to the ministry of the Gospel and their share in the business of the Church, examining the effect of this 'position of privilege' on female Quakers.
Taylor Cadbury includes many references to Quaker women who lived during the seventeenth century, including Margaret Fell (1614-1702) and Ann Audland (1627-1705), remarking on female Ministry. She also draws examples from historical accounts of women Quakers included in written histories of the Religious Society of Friends. Quotations from the Book of Discipline and papers published in the 'Friends' Quarterly Examiner' are also featured throughout Taylor Cadbury's address. Taylor Cadbury considers 'the result of this freedom and equality of position' on Quaker women, remarking that both men and women were inspired equally by 'the Spirit of the Lord' to 'take up any work which they believed God called them to do'. Taylor Cadbury comments that 'women thus obeying the call to service have, to a large extent increased the possibilities of usefulness, as well as the capacity of the individual.'
Taylor Cadbury concludes her address by remarking 'may the Women Friends of today, and of the future, prove themselves worthy of their great heritage'. She also expresses a wish that women in other denominations may become equally involved in the religious life of their churches. |