Celebrate 50 Years of Women Theologians at the General Theological Seminary

General Theological Seminary
Posted Sep 16, 2021

This September, General Theological Seminary, the first seminary founded by The Episcopal Church, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first women, Peggy Muncie and Page Bigelow, welcomed into a first-year class.

Marking this Golden Anniversary, General is convening a yearlong series of lectures, round-table discussions, and research presentations, highlighting the ways women continue to answer the call of ministry on behalf of the world.

“The signatures of these two amazing women, Page E. Bigelow and Margaret Ann (Peggy) Muncie in the now 199-year-old Matriculation book and their inclusion in the education and formation life on the close is indeed something to remember and celebrate throughout the 20/21 academic year.” Donna J. Ashley, VP of Advancement, M.A. ’06

“I am proud to be a part of the legacy of 50 Years of Women at General Theological Seminary. Growing up Episcopalian, I was never taught there was a ministry I wasn’t allowed to do for my church. Looking back, I now realize what an enormous debt I owe to the courageous choices of GTS, the Philadelphia Eleven, and the Episcopal Church at large. When girls‘ questions are encouraged, when they are told from day one that their voices are valuable, when all doors are open to them, they will flourish and change the world for the better. My research discoveries about Mary Magdalene are directly connected to 50 years of women in ministry in my church.” Elizabeth Schrader, MA ‘15, STM ‘16

For more information about these programs, including “A Conversation with the First Five Black Women Diocesan Bishops” or the Paddock Lecture with Diana Butler Bass, visit: gts.edu/50years.

“This is a year of celebration as well as reflection. We cannot ignore the preceding 150 years where women were not matriculated students at General. And we must look at the future and see and elevate those that we have not yet supported. Our history is imperfect. As we celebrate the accomplishments, so too must we commit to a more inclusive future.” Joshua A. Bruner, Communications Officer

ABOUT GENERAL Located in the heart of New York City, General Seminary is a community formed around a common life of prayer, worship, study, and service. Since 1822 we have graduated over 7,000, and today our worldwide alumni/ae now total approximately 2,400.


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