Guide to the Voices of Sophia Records

Voices of Sophia (VOS) was a community of Presbyterian women and men that promoted feminist/womanist theology from 1994-2010.  Its formation was triggered by the backlash against an ecumenical theological conference called Re-Imagining held in Minneapolis in 1993. Re-Imagining was conceived as a world-wide religious expression at the end of the United Nations Decade of Solidarity with Women. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) donated $10,000 and staff time of the Women’s Ministry Unit to support the conference. The $10,000 was allocated to help bring Christian feminist theologians from outside the United States to Re-Imagining. Many Presbyterians attended the conference, and critics warned against its message that feminists could push the boundaries of orthodoxy and still be Christian. Immense criticism was heaped upon all Presbyterians who attended as well as the PC(USA) Women’s Ministry Unit for supporting the conference. Mary Ann Lundy, head of the unit, was removed from her position.

The following year, sixteen people invited by Sylvia Thorson-Smith and Mary Kuhns explored the idea of a new special impact group within the denomination to focus on the issues raised by the Re-Imagining conference and the backlash it received.  The name Voices of Sophia, a purpose statement, a funding strategy, and an agenda for a larger gathering to follow were all written at that first meeting in 1994. VOS became an official organization one year later, at the 207th General Assembly of the PC(USA) in 1995.

With the stated goal of “transforming the Church into a discipleship of equals,” VOS held annual Gatherings from 1994-2003, offered breakfasts/speakers at General Assemblies from 1995 onward, distributed a newsletter, created a website, and grew a membership that peaked at over 500 members. The annual gatherings held by VOS highlighted Christian feminist scholarship and ritual.  These were planned by a Central Team and sometimes paid staff.  VOS was visible at each General Assembly, advocating for progressive overtures and offering encouragement through its VOS Breakfast and booth.  A membership mailing in 2002 states VOS’s purpose to “call the Church into accountability, and fulfill the Gospel and General Assembly policy, regarding women’s theologies, inclusiveness, and diversity.”

In 2010, VOS combined with the Witherspoon Society to form Presbyterian Voices for Justice (PV4J).