In this episode of Two Priests on the Patio, host Che Marville shifts the format to focus on a single powerful question from the growing community of listeners. Rev. Jeff Ward reads aloud a beautifully articulated letter from Jasmine, who asks what many women have wrestled with: How can I practice Christianity when so much of the language and imagery feels male-centred? How do I find God beyond the patriarchy?

Jeff and Rev. Sue Ann Ward respond with remarkable honesty and theological depth, acknowledging that while humans wrote the Bible in patriarchal contexts, Jesus himself consistently overturned the gender hierarchies of his time. From the woman at the well to the unnamed women throughout scripture, Jesus modelled radical inclusivity and treated women as precious souls even when the gospel writers didn't wholly lean into this revolutionary aspect of his ministry.

The conversation explores crucial distinctions between what's literal and what's parable in scripture, why Paul gets quoted more than Jesus (and why that's problematic), and how translation and interpretation have shaped our understanding of divine language. Sue Ann offers a stunning reframe: God is neither male nor female but contains all attributes, creativity, nurturing, protection, challenge, comfort, and strength.

The episode moves into profound territory about reconciliation, resurrection, forgiveness, and the contemplative practices that allow us to experience God beyond human constructs. Sue Ann shares how Buddhism and yoga renewed her Christian faith through meditation, while Jeff emphasizes that Jesus came to live for us, not just die for us, teaching us how to heal broken relationships and be reborn in our own lives.

This episode is for anyone who: has felt excluded by religious language, wrestles with the patriarchal framing of faith traditions, seeks a more whole and healing relationship with God, or wonders if Christianity can speak to women's lived experience right now.

A powerful invitation: The hosts encourage more listeners to send questions like Jasmine's rich prompts that create space for honest, necessary conversations about faith in the modern world.

Come for the theology, stay for the spiritual nourishment.

Peace and blessings to you.

St Cuthbert's Anglican Church 1541 Oakhill Drive, Oakville, ON L6J 1Y6

Church: 905-844-6200 www.stcuthbertoakville.ca

Church of the Incarnation incarnationchurch.ca

Anglican church in Oakville, ON 1240 Old Abbey Lane,

Oakville ON L6M3Y4

Called to Life Compelled to Love