This Women’s History Month, join us for a landmark conversation about one of the most important documents you’ve probably never read.
In 1666, Margaret Fell sat in Lancaster Castle, imprisoned for her Quaker faith. From that cold cell, she wrote Women’s Speaking Justified—a fiery, scripture-by-scripture defense of women’s right to preach and lead. It became the theological backbone for a movement that would send thousands of women ministers across the globe before 1720.
Now, renowned scholar Paul Anderson has translated Fell’s work into modern English, making it accessible for a new generation. Anderson brings rare credentials: he’s a world-class New Testament scholar AND the son, grandson, and brother of recorded women ministers. He knows this material in his bones.
Following Anderson’s presentation, Windy Cooler of the Friends Incubator for Public Ministry will discuss how we can nurture prophetic voices today. The Incubator exists because, as Cooler writes, “Friends have often fallen out of practice in supporting ministers.” This conversation is about reclaiming that sacred work.

