A Different Perspective: Examining Obstacles Faced By Black Clergywomen Through The Lenses of Critical Race Feminism

The influence of Black women leaders in this country and throughout the world in corporate, political, educational, and religious settings has existed for years (Allen & Lewis, 2016). The most recent election of both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris is a testament to that as their wins have been largely attributed to the leadership, efforts, and mobilization of Black women. Yet, Black women’s leadership challenges and experiences have remained largely ignored as studies of leadership have typically centered on whites and males (Allen & Lewis, 2016). Further, despite their contributions, Black women have remained underrepresented in most key leadership positions in all segments of society. Nowhere is this seen more than in the Black church where leadership is male dominated (Barnes, 2006). Though women comprise much of the congregation, they hold very few leadership positions. This forces the question that must be asked, if she is called, then why can’t she come? This paper seeks to examine these ongoing issues through the lenses of Critical Race Feminism (CRF) and to provide recommendations that aim to further leadership advancement for Black clergywomen. This paper argues that Critical Race Feminism provides a viewpoint that focuses on feminism, race, and power to understand the multiplicity of leadership inequality in the Black church by extending the discussion of Black women leadership challenges in the church beyond race to gender subordination. Introduction Though women comprise much of the congregation, they hold very few leadership positions. According to data released in the State of Clergywomen in the U.S.: A Statistical Update, 2018, women account for 50 to 75 percent of the Black church membership, yet only comprise 10% of leadership roles in the church and less than 1 percent of the senior pastor roles. The preacher announces that “the doors of the church are open” after each sermon. Many Christians believe that the call to accept Jesus Christ as one’s Lord and Savior is an invitation to salvation for worshipers. It serves as an invitation to accept Christ’s grace. Yet, even though it is advertised as a warm invitation for everyone to attend, it appears that it might contain certain restrictions. Will a woman who wants to preach be accepted by the Christian-based Church? Does it treat her with admiration or disdain? Is her gender the reason she is being rejected? If the church’s doors were truly open, there would be a higher number of women pastors in the Black church than there are today. Further, they face numerous barriers and challenges based on perceptions of incompetency that limit their opportunities to lead and places constraints on leadership mobility. Cook and Glass (2014) refer to this as the “glass cliff.” Also, their leadership effectiveness is often measured through the eyes of Black males, which are tainted by old age stereotypes, and antiquated thoughts of leadership incapability (McKenzie, 1996; Hobson, 2013). This CHRISTINE RUDOLPH LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA, USA