Podcast Summary: All the Buried Women – "Introducing All the Buried Women"

Release Date: March 6, 2025

Introduction

In the premiere episode of All the Buried Women, hosts Savannah Locke and Beth Allison Barr embark on a profound journey to uncover the hidden narratives of women within the Southern Baptist Convention's (SBC) extensive archives. This introductory episode lays the foundation for the series, outlining its purpose, inception, and the significant themes it aims to explore.

The Genesis of All the Buried Women

Savannah Locke begins by sharing the serendipitous origin of the podcast. While working in marketing for the Bible for Normal People podcast in early 2023, Locke felt the urge to pursue a passion project—a sentiment encouraged by her boss, Jared. Her opportunity arose unexpectedly when she encountered a poignant document within the SBC's archives: a letter from an eight-year-old girl questioning why girls were not permitted to preach.

"What else could be hiding in there? What kind of documents are in the archives of the largest Protestant denomination in America?" (02:15)

This discovery ignited Locke's curiosity about the undisclosed stories embedded within the SBC's history, prompting her to conceptualize a podcast dedicated to unearthing these buried voices.

Collaboration with Beth Allison Barr

Taking a bold step, Locke reached out to Beth Allison Barr, a respected author and researcher, to discuss her idea. Despite having no prior relationship beyond Barr's appearance on the Bible for Normal People podcast, Barr responded enthusiastically.

During their initial Zoom meeting, Barr revealed her pursuit of a deeply personal and distressing abuse story from the SBC archives—a narrative that epitomizes the denomination's historical suppression of women's experiences.

"She told me she was chasing down a story of abuse that she found in the SBC's archives. A story nobody had told before." (05:30)

This revelation elevated the podcast's mission from merely cataloging forgotten documents to actively reclaiming and amplifying suppressed truths.

Revealing Archival Stories

Locke and Barr delve into the richness of the SBC's archives, presenting compelling examples that highlight the denomination's evolving stance on women's roles.

One such document is a letter addressed to Tipper Gore, inviting her to speak at an SBC gathering for pastors' wives in the 1960s. This invitation underscores the historical prominence of women’s voices within the SBC.

"Imagine the equivalent of that happening today." (12:45)

Another pivotal document from the mid-1960s features a public debate among SBC women regarding the desirability of being a pastor's wife. The debate showcased a division between those who saw it as a pinnacle of purpose and service and those who criticized the undue pressures and expectations placed upon pastor's wives.

"On one side were women who passionately argued that it was the pinnacle of purpose and service. On the other side were women who challenged that narrative." (18:20)

These examples illustrate a period when the SBC was more decentralized and open to internal discourse, contrasting sharply with its current monolithic structure.

The Evolution of the Southern Baptist Convention

The episode traces the transformation of the SBC from a more flexible and locally empowered organization to a centralized, politically influential entity. Initially, local churches held significant autonomy, and diverse opinions were tolerated. Over the decades, strategic reforms and consolidation efforts led to a tightly controlled institution.

"Over time, though, through strategic efforts and calculated reforms, the Southern Baptist Convention has transformed into a colossal political uniform body." (25:10)

This shift has had profound impacts on gender dynamics within the SBC, contributing to its increasingly restrictive stance toward women and influencing broader American cultural and political landscapes.

Connection to Beth's Book

The podcast is strategically timed to coincide with the release of Beth Allison Barr's new book, Becoming the Pastor's Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman's Path to Ministry. While the podcast and the book share some overlapping stories, the miniseries delves deeper into archival documents that did not make it into the book, offering a more expansive exploration of the SBC's treatment of women.

"Over the last year I've read Becoming the Pastor's Wife twice, and it is magnificent. I would encourage anyone listening to the show to grab a copy and learn more from Beth's research." (35:50)

Conclusion

In closing, Locke emphasizes the extensive research and dedication invested in creating All the Buried Women. The podcast aspires not only to illuminate the SBC's historical and ongoing treatment of women but also to honor the resilience and voices of those who resisted being silenced.

"Our hope is that this podcast not only sheds light on the SBC's treatment of women, but also honors the voices and lives of those who refused to stay buried." (42:00)

Listeners are invited to join Savannah and Beth every Thursday through the Bible for Normal People's Podcast Feedback Feed to uncover more hidden stories and gain a deeper understanding of the SBC's intricate history.

Notable Quotes:

• "What else could be hiding in there? What kind of documents are in the archives of the largest Protestant denomination in America?" — Savannah Locke (02:15)

• "She told me she was chasing down a story of abuse that she found in the SBC's archives. A story nobody had told before." — Savannah Locke (05:30)

• "Imagine the equivalent of that happening today." — Savannah Locke (12:45)

• "On one side were women who passionately argued that it was the pinnacle of purpose and service. On the other side were women who challenged that narrative." — Savannah Locke (18:20)

• "Over time, though, through strategic efforts and calculated reforms, the Southern Baptist Convention has transformed into a colossal political uniform body." — Savannah Locke (25:10)

• "Over the last year I've read Becoming the Pastor's Wife twice, and it is magnificent. I would encourage anyone listening to the show to grab a copy and learn more from Beth's research." — Savannah Locke (35:50)

• "Our hope is that this podcast not only sheds light on the SBC's treatment of women, but also honors the voices and lives of those who refused to stay buried." — Savannah Locke (42:00)

Final Thoughts

All the Buried Women promises to be a compelling exploration of the Southern Baptist Convention's hidden histories, particularly focusing on the experiences and struggles of women within the denomination. Through meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, hosts Savannah Locke and Beth Allison Barr aim to bring to light the stories that have long been buried, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the SBC's complex legacy.