Holiness and the Feminine Spirit
-Part 3
The human family longs for connection, for embrace, for meaning. God made us that way and invites us to broker the distance between us with more than words—with embodied love and practices of compassion and justice. ~Mary Haddad
Excerpted from Holiness and the Feminine Spirit The Art of Janet McKenzie; Susan Perry, editor. 28 full-color paintings by award-winning artist Janet McKenzie with accompanying reflections by leading women writers. Orbis Books 2009 Used with permission.
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About the writer, Mary Haddad
The Rev. Canon Mary Haddad was ordained to the priesthood of The Episcopal Church in 2001. In January 2007 she was called to the position of Canon Pastor of Grace Cathedral, San Francisco. The Vestry of All Saints Episcopal Church Beverly Hills has called Haddad to serve as Interim Pastor commencing January 2010.
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About the book, Holiness and the Feminine Spirit
Holiness and the Feminine Spirit The Art of Janet McKenzie by Susan Perry. 28 full-color paintings by award-winning artist Janet McKenzie with accompanying reflections by leading women writers. Orbis Books 2009 Download a PDF.
This beautiful book explores how holiness can empower women and how empowered women work to bring about the reign of God. The paintings of Janet McKenzie and the accompanying reflections follow the life of Jesus through the women who gave him birth and carried his message to the world. The form and color of the images astound and the words of the text inspire!
The 28 contributors include well-known writers such as Joyce Rupp, Joan Chittister, and Diane Butler Bass, theologian Elizabeth A. Johnson, art critic Sr. Wendy Beckett, best-selling novelist Ann Patchett, social activist and writer Helen Prejean, feminist Chung Hyun Kyung, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori of the American Episcopal Church, and many others.
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About the artist, Janet McKenzie
Artist Janet McKenzie has committed her life's work to creating inclusive art celebrating women. Ms. McKenzie's image of Jesus, “Jesus of the People”, was selected winner of the National Catholic Reporter's "Jesus 2000” competition, by judge Sister Wendy Beckett. She lives and works in Vermont. Seen above, Epiphany by Janet McKenzie.
This series is amazing - I have ordered the book - I used Amazon as I get free shipping from them.
Posted by Ann Fontaine![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/art/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 4, 2010 3:45 PM
Bravo for showing this beautiful painting!
It's important to put it into context. Conservative Christians raised a big stink over this painting in 2007 when it appeared on the Christmas cards of the Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church.
The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Ft. Worth, Texas, sent a notice to clergy and 2007 convention delegates condemning Jefferts Schori for her choice of art. “Happy Multicultural Feminist Celebration Day,” sneered the headline of a traditional Anglican blog where nearly 100 comments are posted condemning the image as “stupid,” “faux-nouveau hipster theology” and worse.
I applaud Janet for creating
sacred art that celebrates women, people of color, and others who are systematically ignored.
More info on the controversy
http://jesusinlove.blogspot.com/2008/01/conservatives-blast-inclusive-christmas.html
Posted by Kittredge Cherry![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/art/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 4, 2010 4:58 PM
Thank you for the back story on Janet McKenzie's 'Epiphany.' It renders the combination of McKenzie's delicate treatment and Haddad's powerful words all the more immediate.
Posted by MelAhlborn![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/art/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 4, 2010 5:07 PM