“Being the other is not only a philosophical, social, political, or literary concept; it is a theological image. It speaks of a God of the margins, a God for the oppressed, a God who loves and pursues the stranger” (129).
With powerful words such as these, author Mihee Kim-Kort weaves the vast array of clergywomen of color’s stories into one dynamic text. In a career path historically dominated by white men, Mihee Kim-Kort and a team of fellow clergywomen share their journey to ordination and the struggles they faced in the newly released Streams Run Uphill.
The path to ordination for women is not easy. Many Protestant denominations still do not ordain women, and if they do, a small number answer the call. As Mihee Kim-Kort writes, “Growing up, I was taught that the f-word was a dirty word. Feminism…It is seen as dangerous. It is seen as incompatible with the Bible” (7). For women of color who do pursue ordination, they are then faced with the awkwardness of racism present in their traditions; “It requires an honest and persistent endeavor to reflect on the various ways racism is enmeshed in the church’s language and theology, and our personal histories with the effect of racism on our experience of faith” (19).
Streams Run Uphill addresses these issues and more in a short collection of essays spanning sexism, racism, ageism, and the struggles with tokenism, pastoral leadership, and family life. I recommend this book first to all clergy women. The voices and experiences shared in this slim volume bridge our spatial divides and reminds each woman that she is not alone. I also recommend this book to every male pastor, as this book will open your eyes to the issues faced by your female colleagues. Buying this book will invite the essential voices of clergywomen of color into your life, a conversation vital to the future of pastoral ministry.
