Margaret Fell
Margaret Fell lived in the Seventeenth Century and is credited with being the first feminist. Her cause? The right of women to preach the Gospel.
Co-founder of the Society of Friends, the Quakers and called the Mother of Quakerism [1], Fell is credited with being the first woman to publicly advocate for the right of women to participate in the public arena and to be involved in the leadership of the church.
In 1666, she became the first woman to publish a fully developed treatise on the right of women to speak publicly.[2] Her argument was compelling and based entirely on scripture. There is no record that during the course of pursuing her “agenda” of helping to establish the Society of Friends and the equal rights for women promoted within that society, that Fell ever abandoned her faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, or forsook her family to embrace an immoral lifestyle. Fell’s husband, Judge Thomas Fell, trusted her entirely with the running of their estate while he traveled extensively in the course of carrying out his duties.
Co-founder of the Society of Friends, the Quakers and called the Mother of Quakerism [1], Fell is credited with being the first woman to publicly advocate for the right of women to participate in the public arena and to be involved in the leadership of the church.
In 1666, she became the first woman to publish a fully developed treatise on the right of women to speak publicly.[2] Her argument was compelling and based entirely on scripture. There is no record that during the course of pursuing her “agenda” of helping to establish the Society of Friends and the equal rights for women promoted within that society, that Fell ever abandoned her faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, or forsook her family to embrace an immoral lifestyle. Fell’s husband, Judge Thomas Fell, trusted her entirely with the running of their estate while he traveled extensively in the course of carrying out his duties.
The Society of Friends acknowledged
the practical equality of all people from their inception. Although it took them a
while to learn how to implement the concept, they finally succeeded,
and as a result, many “Friends,” both men and women, became involved in the early
movements for abolition of slavery and women’s rights.
The first national Woman’s Rights Conference was organized primarily by women who had already gained experience in public speaking, administration, and organizational skills through their activities in Quaker meetings. As the first woman to speak publicly in the United States was not permitted to do so until 1836, the providence of God is evident in preparing Quaker women for public speaking and in providing them with opportunities to gain the organizational experience needed for furthering the causes of abolition and women’s rights.
The first American “Woman’s Rights” Conference held in Seneca Falls, New York, in 1848, was a largely Christian event. It was held at a Methodist Church. Most of the organizers were Quakers, and the majority of attendees were professing Christians.
The first national Woman’s Rights Conference was organized primarily by women who had already gained experience in public speaking, administration, and organizational skills through their activities in Quaker meetings. As the first woman to speak publicly in the United States was not permitted to do so until 1836, the providence of God is evident in preparing Quaker women for public speaking and in providing them with opportunities to gain the organizational experience needed for furthering the causes of abolition and women’s rights.
The first American “Woman’s Rights” Conference held in Seneca Falls, New York, in 1848, was a largely Christian event. It was held at a Methodist Church. Most of the organizers were Quakers, and the majority of attendees were professing Christians.
Margaret Fell advocated not only
for freedom of conscience in worship and religious matters, for which she was
imprisoned on more than one occasion, but also for the right of women to preach
the gospel, teach the Bible, and participate in the affairs of the church on an
equal basis with men. No one who reads her writings can doubt her high esteem
for God and his Word, the Bible.
Jesus said, “Wherefore by their
fruits ye shall know them.” What are the fruits of Margaret Fell’s labors?
Following Fell’s example in the seventeenth century, history records that in the centuries to come, the voices
of “Friends” are heard speaking out against societal injustice and were instrumental in effecting many changes that to this day benefit children, women, and men.
According to Angelina Grimke, an abolitionist and member of The Society of Friends herself, the very first Quaker voice raised against slavery [in the United States] was the voice of an American woman who lived during the 1700’s. Because of her outspoken stance against slavery--before it was acceptable or popular to do so--this courageous woman was excommunicated from her Quaker fellowship but stood her ground until her death.[3] She made such an impact, that after her death, the Quakers never again excommunicated another "Friend" for speaking out against slavery...but rather for owning slaves.
Such is the legacy of Godly women who dared to stand against false religious tradition and corrupt public opinion.
According to Angelina Grimke, an abolitionist and member of The Society of Friends herself, the very first Quaker voice raised against slavery [in the United States] was the voice of an American woman who lived during the 1700’s. Because of her outspoken stance against slavery--before it was acceptable or popular to do so--this courageous woman was excommunicated from her Quaker fellowship but stood her ground until her death.[3] She made such an impact, that after her death, the Quakers never again excommunicated another "Friend" for speaking out against slavery...but rather for owning slaves.
Such is the legacy of Godly women who dared to stand against false religious tradition and corrupt public opinion.
[1] The Society of Friends is
known more commonly as the Quakers
[2] Women's Speaking Justified, Proved and Allowed of by the
Scriptures, All Such as Speak by the Spirit and Power of the Lord Jesus And How
Women Were the First That Preached the Tidings of the Resurrection of Jesus,
and Were Sent by Christ's Own Command Before He Ascended to the Father (John
20:17), by Margaret Fell, 1666
[3] “They know that the first
Quaker who bore a faithful testimony against the sin of slavery was cut off
from religious fellowship with that society. That Quaker was a woman.” Angelina Emily Grimke, An Appeal to the Christian Women of the
South, 1836
... Woman this is WAR! Gender, Slavery & the Evangelical Caste System: Andersen, Jocelyn: 9780979429323: Amazon.com: Books This work provides valuable historical insight into Christian initiatives in
the movements for women’s rights, that are rarely included in Christian
literature.
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Jocelyn Andersen writes and speaks about many subjects including Bible prophecy and equality of the sexes. She is best known for her advocacy in domestic violence awareness. Her book, Woman Submit! Christians & Domestic Violence, is a staple in the library of resources on that subject.
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