Gender Inequality in the Ordained Ministry of the Church of England

Alex Fry completed his PhD in the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University, UK. He is a Senior Lecturer in the Sociology of Health and Illness at the University of Bournemouth, UK.

• Introduction; 2. The Church of England and gender in historical perspective; 3. Clerical sexism; 4. Empathy, intersectionality, and gender schemata; 5. Contact and contact avoidance; 6. Schism and clergy capital; 7. Gender attitudes in (inter)national perspective; 8. Summary, reflections, and implications; 9. Conclusion

"What do conservative Christian male church leaders really think about ordained women, and why? It’s an important question almost wholly unexplored, until now. In this significant new work, readers can learn from male clergy’s rich biographical stories and reflections and, through Alex Fry’s sensitive analysis, gain both theoretical and practical insights." - Abby Day, Goldsmiths, University of London"This careful and thoughtful book analyses extended interviews about the ordination of women with three groups of Anglican male clergy. Tellingly, clergy often displayed opposition to feminism, and gender stereotyping alongside their opposition to women as clergy. Dr Fry’s judicious conclusion is that ‘given the Church of England’s established position in the life of the nation, it is appropriate to more directly address the patriarchy that evidently exists within its structures’. Well worth buying." - Robin Gill, University of Kent"Fry takes the reader through detailed research findings, demonstrating how clergymen interact with clergywomen and the Church of England. Using concepts such as intersectionality, he is able to hold up a lens which provides insights which will inform the way clergy see themselves. The nuance provided by this depth and breadth of analysis is intriguing. This book will be of particular interest to church leaders today." - Mandy Robbins, Wrexham Glyndŵr University