But laws don't change the attitudes and ingrained ideals of American culture. Not too many, I bet. The way some people feel about men changing their names is how others feel about women in the ministry. Fundamentalists believe it clearly goes against Scripture and against God's will, even though most denominations today ordain women. The debate over women in the ministry stems from different Scriptural interpretations.
Fundamentalists believe that the Bible means exactly what it says.
She knows God has called her to preach, and she won't let anyone tell her otherwise. I don't feel like I have to prove myself to anyone. Rivera grew up in the African Methodist Episcopal church, and has been preaching at Grant AME Church in East Austin for six years. They quote some Scripture passages, she says, but forget about other ones. Rivera says she believes in a literal Bible, but that it is an understanding of the entire Bible, not just certain quotes, that holds the message.