Women of the cloth: R.I. clergywomen serve as role models while serving their flocks
PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island clergywomen across religions and denominations took different paths to arrive at their positions, but for many, their journeys began the same way — with a calling.
“It clearly chose me, and I responded,” said the Rev. Jamie Washam, pastor of the First Baptist Church in America.
Answering that call brought these women into a field that has long been dominated by men. Though the number of clergywomen nationwide has increased in recent years, they are still outnumbered by men in most denominations, and some religions don’t permit the ordination of women.