“FEMINISM is a dirty word”: the bold statement opening the first “note” of this book sets the tone in two ways. It is written for those influenced by the “Biblical Womanhood” agenda found in the United States, and uses humour (at times, provocative) to encourage them to a broader perspective. The “notes” format allows the author to cover — in just over 200 pages — a range of topics that have made many volumes in themselves.

As well as an “incomplete — and tongue-in-cheek — history” of feminism, the notes include “women in church leadership — heroes or heretics?”, various models of marriage, how Jesus treated women, beauty and modesty, plus five guest contributors and a number of purely humorous interludes by way of light relief. By the end of the book, however, the tone is more sombre, and the focus is on safeguarding, sexual violence, and a challenge to the Church to “listen to the cries of women”.

The author rehearses the usual Bible texts relating to headship and leading worship. Sadly, it seems that Millennial women have to engage with the same viewpoints as vexed their mothers 40 years ago. It is cheering, therefore, to find robust discussion and analysis of more contemporary matters: mansplaining, bias, and (particularly powerful) “#ChurchToo”. After some hard-hitting stories of toxic behaviour, including personal experiences, the author addresses God in a heartfelt and touching prayer for all who have endured sexual assault.

The downside of writing “notes” is that there is presumably not enough room for wider perspectives and historical context. The book would have benefited from some mention of the pioneering women who campaigned successfully down the years for education, equality, ordination, and so on. Citing Germaine Greer but not June Osborne — or mentioning Walsingham but not Greenbelt — feels a bit random and rootless.

That aside, this is a courageous attempt to engage with resolutely (perhaps fearfully?) conservative parts of the Church, encouraging readers to look beyond labels and stereotypes to the underlying issues of human dignity and safety. I hope very much that the attempt succeeds so that some of the debates can finally move on. A section of questions for reflection or discussion would have been a bonus.

Canon Naomi Starkey is Ministry Area Leader for Bro Eryri, in the diocese of Bangor.

Notes on Feminism: Being a woman in a Church led by men
Lauren Windle
SPCK £12.99
(978-0-281-08767-9)
Church Times Bookshop £11.69