More and more frequently, in our day, women ask of the readings proclaimed in our assemblies of worship:
"Where are our voices? Where are our memories? Where are our hopes? Why are prominent women from the Hebrew and Christian scriptures missing front the lectionary or included in such an abbreviated fashion? Why are references to to women cut from some readings or found only in the longer alternative readings? What are readings that are insensitive to our cultural sensitivities today still included among those texts read in public worship?
SILENT VOICES SACRED LIVES was a labor of love for the editors of this book who combed the scriptures, intertestamental literature, noncanonical Christian sources, church orders, mystical works, poetry, Gnostic writings, diaries, accounts of martyrdom, epitaphs, and even descriptions of women at worship, for the silent voices of women. Together, all of these accounts give us an image of God, women, church, spirituality, and ministry from a women's perspective that can enrich our liturgical year.