BOOK LAUNCH: In Her Voice – Raising Women’s Voices in Preaching the Gospel
MEDIA RELEASE
1 March 2023
A book offering 28 rich theological reflections from Australian women titled In Her Voice: Raising Women’s Voices in Preaching the Gospel has been released today by Garratt Publishing.
In Her Voice emerged from the Australian Women Preach podcast – an initiative which aims to raise women’s voices in preaching the Gospel.
The podcast, about to enter its third year, grew out of a desire to share the gifts and insights of diverse women within the church in Australia. It was launched on International Women’s Day in 2021 as a joint initiative of WATAC (Women and the Australian Church) and The Grail in Australia.
WATAC’s Dr Tracy McEwan, who is also a member of the Australian Women Preach team, said that the book is a testament to the vitality and importance of ‘hearing’ women’s voices.
“The podcast has demonstrated the impact of listening to women preach on the Gospel and has provided a platform for voices that otherwise might have gone unheard,” said Tracy. “Week after week, the podcast has highlighted the high calibre of Australian women preachers who bring diverse life experiences to their understanding of the Gospel. Each of the reflections in this book is a treasure waiting to be unearthed.”
The women featured in the book come from across Australia: from different generations, different cultural backgrounds, and even different Christian denominations. What they do share is a knowledge and love of the gospel, and a Spirit-given desire to preach.
Patricia Gemmell – who initially proposed the idea for the podcast – is a podcast team member, preacher, and contributor to the book. “It was the silencing of women’s voices in the Australian Catholic Church that motivated this group of women to try and make a difference,” she said recently.
“Listen to some of our podcasts, or read the book, and you will be struck by the wisdom and insights of these women who strive to faithfully interpret the gospel in the light of the signs of our times. We have always tried to model the church we seek to be – inclusive, diverse, and welcoming – and we are truly proud of what we have achieved in making a space for these voices.”
In Her Voice is being launched on Wednesday 1 March at The Grail in Australia’s Sydney Centre in North Sydney, and nationally via Zoom on Thursday 9 March.
To purchase a copy of In Her Voice click here.