The Resilience of Women's Voices in Conservative Faiths Amid Political Setbacks

Fri Nov 21 2025 05:23:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the pursuit of gender equality faces challenges during Trump's presidency, traditionalist Christian women and Catholic nuns are asserting their voices in social and political spheres, challenging gender roles while advocating for marginalised communities.

Despite setbacks from political changes under Donald Trump's administration affecting the feminist movement in the U.S., women from conservative Christian backgrounds are actively engaging in social debates. Events like the conference held by Allie Beth Stuckey and the advocacy by Catholic nuns showcase a spectrum of voices that challenge patriarchal doctrines while advocating for the dignity of marginalized groups. Notable figures like Norma Pimentel and the Sisters of Charity of New York illustrate a commitment to social justice within their faiths, pushing against traditional restrictions on women’s roles in the church.

The U.S. feminist movement’s pursuit of gender equality faces notable challenges during the Trump administration. These include the dismantling of nondiscrimination programs and the removal of top women from military roles.

However, many outspoken women from conservative Christian denominations, including the Catholic Church and evangelicals, are vigorously participating in political discourse, despite traditional gender restrictions that prevent them from higher church leadership roles.

In a recent event in a Dallas suburb, over 6,500 conservative Christian women gathered at a conference organized by commentator Allie Beth Stuckey, who encouraged active participation in politics, stating, “We’re done sitting on the sidelines.” She emphasized a commitment to reject what she perceives as the false narratives propagated by feminism.

Frontline Initiatives by Catholic Sisters

Within Catholic circles, passionate advocacy is evident among religious sisters. For instance, after Cardinal Timothy Dolan praised conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the leadership of the Sisters of Charity of New York publicly rebuked these sentiments, pointing out his divisive rhetoric and reaffirming their mission to support marginalized communities.

Sister Norma Pimentel, who leads migrant rights initiatives at the U.S.-Mexico border through Catholic Charities, exemplifies this activism. Reflecting on her experiences visiting detention centers, she recounted the profound emotional connection forged through compassion and care for immigrants.

Engagement in the Southern Baptist Convention

Among evangelical communities, women navigate traditional doctrinal boundaries within the Southern Baptist Convention, which holds firm to male-only pastoral leadership roles. However, women find fulfillment in various church roles, challenging the notion of oppression. Bible teacher Susie Hawkins asserts that many embrace their roles as wives and mothers, demonstrating agency within their sanctioned responsibilities.

Stuckey similarly upholds traditional interpretations of scripture while advocating for women to raise their voices in public discourse, countering any perception of silence imposed by their roles.

Continued Push for Women’s Leadership in Religion

Despite the Vatican’s stringent regulations against female ordination, women excel in administrative roles within Catholic institutions, illustrating the diverse contributions women make to the church's mission beyond traditional confines. Advocates lobbying for the ordination of women, such as those from the Women’s Ordination Conference, continue to amplify their messages against growing anti-women sentiments.

Kate McElwee, the executive director of the Women's Ordination Conference, frames their work as a 'Ministry of Irritation,' aiming to creatively assert their cause amidst rising resistance. The activism among these women not only reflects a push for gender equality but serves as a beacon of resilience in the broader cultural landscape.