We tend to look at top-down models. Organizations like the Episcopal Women's Caucus are particularly well-suited for mobilizing for change, she added, because they represent a wide spectrum across age, ethnic and geographic boundaries. The Rev. Karen Montagno recounted her own experience at her grandmother's knee, getting her hair braided, surrounded by her grandmother's friends. She concluded that it was through their work together around the table that wisdom and a spirit of community was being created by this circle of ordinary women. It is important to reflect on who our spiritual mothers have been, and to be spiritual mothers ourselves.
Spiritual leaders help to bring about the spiritual birth of others.
Rev. H. Coleman McGehee, retired bishop of Michigan and keynote speaker for the evening, praised Wylie-Kellermann and encouraged all people of God to dedicate their talents and energy to eradicating the causes of human suffering. D. Bota is a freelance writer in the diocese of Michigan.