All the Buried Women: Episode 1 - George Orwell Warned Us About 1984

Release Date: March 13, 2025

In the inaugural episode of All the Buried Women, hosts Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke delve into the intricate and often concealed history of women's roles within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Titled "George Orwell Warned Us About 1984," this episode meticulously unpacks the struggles, triumphs, and systemic barriers faced by women seeking leadership positions in one of America's largest Protestant denominations.

1. Introduction: The Legacy of Saint Fabiola

The episode opens with a historical vignette about Saint Fabiola, a 4th-century Roman woman renowned for her charitable works and eventual repentance after violating church ordinances by remarrying. This story sets the stage for exploring the recurring theme of women's resilience and the challenges they face within religious institutions.

Notable Quote:

Beth Allison Barr (00:04): "Saint Fabiola was born in the mid 4th century to a wealthy Roman family... she was welcomed back into communion and hit the ground running."

2. Pioneering Women in the SBC: Addie Davis and Shirley Carter

Barr and Locke introduce listeners to Addie Davis, the first woman ordained in the SBC in 1964, and Shirley Carter, who faced the revocation of her ordination in 1971. Through archival research and interviews, the hosts highlight the significant yet often overlooked contributions of these women.

Notable Quotes:

Meredith Stone (10:08): "Addie knew that should she be ordained, she would be the first. And she had done the research, and that points to who she was."

Savannah Locke (19:04): "Shirley felt that other factors were behind the church's action, namely that her husband was a former priest and devout Catholic and that the church was still edgy about a woman in ministry."

3. The 1983 Resolution: A Moment of Hope

The narrative shifts to the early 1980s, a pivotal period when Southern Baptist women began organizing to support and advocate for their roles in ministry. The formation of Women in Ministry SBC (now Baptist Women in Ministry) and the drafting of a landmark resolution in 1983 mark a significant push towards gender equality within the denomination.

Notable Quotes:

Pamela Durso (36:48): "They began building community and realizing that there was a need for organizing... they have a step-by-step plan."

Savannah Locke (37:08): "A resolution has traditionally been defined as an expression of opinion... but in practice, resolutions hold more power than the SBC lets on."

4. The 1984 Retaliatory Resolution: Suppressing Progress

Following the positive momentum of 1983, the SBC convened in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1984, where tension simmered beneath the surface. The hosts detail how Jimmy Draper, then SBC president, orchestrated a restrictive resolution aimed at curtailing women's ordination and leadership roles. The rushed debate, minimal discussion time, and procedural maneuvers exemplify the denomination's resistance to change.

Notable Quotes:

Savannah Locke (43:25): "The very next year, then you could imagine what they're going to do. They're going to make sure that what was in the amendment is passed and well known that we do not support the ordination of women."

Jimmy Draper (50:14): "When we adopt a resolution, it's merely a statement of opinion... if you disagree, don't sweat it."

5. Voices Silenced: The Muted Opposition

The episode recounts instances where voices opposing the restrictive resolution were silenced, notably through the experiences of Pastor Susan Lockwood Wright. Attempts to debate or speak against the resolution were swiftly shut down, highlighting the SBC's efforts to maintain a monolithic stance against women's ordination.

Notable Quotes:

Pamela Durso (53:20): "She goes up to the microphone... and her microphone gets shut off... Jimmy Draper says... I'm not going to let you make a statement because you women got your way last year."

Jimmy Draper (51:17): "I call the point that we did not debate the recommendation, but rather whether the recommendation was in order."

6. Racial Dynamics Within the SBC

Interwoven with the gender struggle is the racial history of the SBC. Historian Dr. Jamar Tisby provides context on the denomination's pro-slavery origins and continued racial segregation, which influences the recognition and celebration of pioneering women like Drusiller Fordham, the first ordained black woman in the SBC.

Notable Quotes:

Dr. Jamar Tisby (24:20): "The Southern Baptist Convention. Truly the Southern part means pro slavery in its origins."

Beth Allison Barr (26:18): "The SBC has been a predominantly white institution made up of predominantly white churches."

7. The Aftermath and Continuing Struggle

Despite the passage of the 1984 resolution, the episode illustrates how women in the SBC continued to pursue ordination and leadership roles, facing ongoing opposition and systemic barriers. The story of Drusiller Fordham serves as a testament to the perseverance required to navigate and challenge the denomination's entrenched policies.

Notable Quotes:

Savannah Locke (33:04): "This shows how separate and segregated mission churches could be in the SBC and why it is not far-fetched to hypothesize that Drusilla's impact as the first senior woman pastor in the SBC is not as documented or celebrated."

Pamela Durso (53:54): "She just happened to her... she knew her place in history."

8. Conclusion: The Weight of Resolutions and Future Directions

Barr and Locke conclude by emphasizing the profound impact of resolutions beyond mere expressions of opinion. The 1984 SBC resolution unequivocally defined women's roles, signaling a broader resistance to gender equality within the denomination. The hosts hint at future episodes that will continue to uncover the stories of women whose lives and ministries were profoundly affected by these institutional decisions.

Notable Quotes:

Savannah Locke (55:39): "Resolutions, even ones that are apparently just opinion, have consequences."

Beth Allison Barr (57:00): "We reached out to the SBC, Paige Patterson, Daryl Gilliard, Tommy Gilmore, and the Council for National Policy for comment and did not hear back."

Closing Remarks

"George Orwell Warned Us About 1984" sets a compelling foundation for All the Buried Women, blending historical analysis with personal narratives to expose the often-hidden struggles of women within the Southern Baptist Convention. Through diligent research and poignant storytelling, Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke invite listeners to reflect on the interplay of gender, power, and faith in shaping institutional legacies.

For more detailed credits and behind-the-scenes insights, refer to the show notes.