35 Years Ago . . .
I was ordained to the Christian ministry 35 years ago today--February 28, 1976--in the chapel of Yale Divinity School, where I had just completed my Masters of Divinity degree. I became infamous as the woman who was ordained without a “call.” What this meant at the time was that I was ordained without a job. Some people equated the two. In 1976, wanting to work on violence against women within the faith community, I knew very well that there were no jobs.
I was ordained to the Christian ministry 35 years ago today--February 28, 1976--in the chapel of Yale Divinity School, where I had just completed my Masters of Divinity degree.
I became infamous as the woman who was ordained without a “call.” What this meant at the time was that I was ordained without a job. Some people equated the two. In 1976, wanting to work on violence against women within the faith community, I knew very well that there were no jobs.
But I did have a call. For me, “call” means a vocation, a calling, a direction given by God for one’s life that is then confirmed by one’s faith community. I knew that I had to do this work. If I could figure out a way to do it and get paid for it, all the better.
So I said “yes” to the call and then created the job ex nihilo. I will be forever grateful to the New Haven Association of the United Church of Christ that they also knew that I had a call and that their vision of possibility for me was even larger than what I could muster. They ordained me to go forth and do the work of helping the church address violence against women.
At that point, ordination meant two things to me: credentials and community. Strategically, I was encouraged by my mentors to seek ordination so that I would have the professional credentials of a clergyperson, which would open up some doors of the church that would otherwise be closed. This was doubly important as a woman at that time. But the affirmation of my faith community was also very important. To be ordained was to be called out for leadership with a promise of spiritual support for a new ministry.
I had no idea what I was saying “yes” to; I had no grand plan. What I realize in looking back is that all I did was take the first step and then the next, all the while believing that God would guide my steps. There was no promise of a smooth, paved road. Indeed this path has been rocky and challenging, and I have stumbled not a few times. But in 2011, I am still on this path. My hiking shoes are well worn, but they still keep the water out. My cap is faded, but it still keeps the sun out of my eyes. My pace is a little slower, but I plan to stay on the path in the years ahead. I give thanks for the many companions I have met along the way.
So I greet this day with gratitude that I have had the privilege of answering a call that has allowed me to join my heart and mind in meaningful work for all these years. God is indeed good.
Rev. Dr. Marie M. Fortune
FaithTrust Institute
www.faithtrustinstitute.org
Gratitude