Women of the Burning Bush: Still Burning 25 Years On is a study of women in ministry within the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. The research, led by Dr Vivienne Adair, follows research commissioned by the Very Rev Margaret Reid Martin in 1990.
The research oversight group, which included Rev Margaret Garland, Rev Jill McDonald, Rev Rachel Judge, Rev Sharon Ross Ensor and Rev Yvonne Smith, shared these comments in the Foreword:
It is empowering to celebrate the progress we have made, and to re-assess the challenges that confront us. Reading about our own experience is such a joy. True, live stories are powerful and challenging. Having the opportunity to be honest about our reality is freeing. Vivienne’s thorough research and deep commitment to this project has been infectious. It is vitally important that the lens we use to reflect on ministry is not only a male perspective. For the wonderful news of freedom in Christ to reach new generations, we need to be confident in our God-given identity. The gift that Vivienne has given us of the opportunity to read and tell our stories strengthens our backbone, and unites us further as we do so.