Background
Where did Fell live?
Swartmoor Hall
What was Fell's main belief/idea?
that women had the right to speak publicly, specifically in church
"And God hath put no such difference between the male and female as men would make" (859).
God made men and women equally,so not allowing women to preach was going against God's will
What religion was Fell heavily involved in?
Quakerism
How did Fell go about her activism?
"And so let this serve to stop that opposing Spirit that would limit the Power and Spirit of the Lord Jesus, whose Spirit is poured upon all flesh, both Sons and Daughters..." (863).
God grants his Spirit on both men and women, so women have just as much of a right to speak in Church.
How many times was Fell jailed?
7
What did Fell use a her primary defense against the belief that women should not speak in church?
Scriptures
"This meeting was notable for ignoring social barriers and admitting women of all social classes to equal fellowship" (856).
the first Quaker meeting only for women
What type of meeting Fell hold in 1671?
The first Quaker meeting exclusively for women.
What Quaker belief influenced Fell's views of equality?
"inner light"
[Y]et you will make a Trade of Womens words; and still cry out,Women must not speak, Women must be silent; so you are far from the minds of the Elders of Israel, who praised God for a Womans speaking" (865).
Said after naming several women(such as Ruth, Hannah, Judith, and even Mary) who were praised in the Bible for their sermons.