Women Leading the Charge: Navigating Faith and Feminism in Conservative Circles

Sat Nov 22 2025 07:40:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the feminist movement faces challenges, women within the Catholic and conservative evangelical churches assert their roles in advocacy and community service, reshaping narratives around women's participation in faith-based environments.

Despite significant setbacks for the feminist movement during recent political periods, women from the Catholic and evangelical communities are embracing their voices in social and political discussions. Conferences and initiatives reflect a robust engagement with issues of equality and justice, led by women like Allie Beth Stuckey in the evangelical community and Catholic nuns advocating for social justice. These women redefine their roles within patriarchal structures, pledging to persist in their fight for women's rights within their religious contexts.

The U.S. feminist movement’s relentless pursuit of gender equality has encountered significant challenges during the political landscape shaped by President Donald Trump—particularly in the dismantling of nondiscrimination initiatives and the removal of women from military leadership roles.

Interestingly, women affiliated with conservative branches of Christianity, such as the Catholic Church and evangelical communities, are actively engaging in political dialogue, disregarding traditional restrictions on women’s roles in church leadership. Many consider these barriers irrelevant.

A notable example occurred in a Dallas suburb, where over 6,500 conservative Christian women gathered for an October 11 conference led by commentator Allie Beth Stuckey. Her rallying cry, 'Welcome to the fight,' resonated with attendees ready to take a stand.

Before the conference commenced, Stuckey referenced the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk, emphasizing a surge of messages from Christian women declaring their intent to leave the sidelines of cultural and political discourse.

Stuckey asserted, 'We’re not backing down; we’re doubling down on our commitment to God’s Word over the lies of feminism and progressivism.'

Catholic Sisters Leading Social Justice Initiatives

Within the Catholic community, religious sisters are vividly engaged in social justice efforts. For instance, after Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York lauded Kirk as a role model, the Sisters of Charity of New York publicly rebuked this perspective, citing Kirk’s rhetoric as contrary to the values of the Church.

The Sisters affirm their mission to advocate for marginalized peoples, including immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing their commitment to peace amidst societal turmoil.

Another prominent figure is Sister Norma Pimentel, who heads Catholic Charities along the U.S.-Mexico border. She actively fights for migrant rights, running a respite center for families seeking refuge in the U.S. Her firsthand experiences illustrate the human cost of immigration policy and resonate with many. 'When I walked out of there, the officer turned to me and said, “Thank you, sister, for helping us realize they’re human beings,”' she recalls.

The Role of Women in Southern Baptist Churches

The Southern Baptist Convention, the second largest U.S. denomination, presents a similar narrative wherein women navigate a male-dominated doctrine. While traditional beliefs prohibit women from serving as pastors, many women find fulfillment in their church roles.

Susie Hawkins, a Texas Bible teacher, argues that women in Southern Baptist circles have the freedom to express their views within set boundaries. She describes satisfaction among women in embracing their traditional roles as wives and mothers, exemplified by Erika Kirk's dedication to her family and her husband's legacy.

Furthermore, Hawkins notes that churches are increasingly recognizing the contributions of women in ministry, celebrating their roles rather than lamenting restrictions on the pastorate. 'Instead of focusing on what they're prohibited from doing, we wanted to honor what they can do,' one pastor remarked.

Persistent Calls for Women’s Ordination

While some restrictions persist within the Catholic Church regarding ordination, women’s roles in education and social services are being highlighted as critical components of the Church’s mission. Advocates for women’s ordination, like Kate McElwee, express concern over oppressive rhetoric but recognize a growing resilience in female activism in face of such challenges.

'As feminism faces widespread backlash, our movement emerges as a beacon of resistance,' she claims, urging for persistent advocacy.