Fiorenza, Elisabeth Schussler

(b. 1938)

   Theologian.

   Fiorenza has taught at Notre Dame University and at Harvard Divinity School in the United States. A biblical scholar, her works include In Memory of Her and Bread not Stone: The Challenge of Feminist Biblical Interpretation.

   In contrast to some feminist scholars, she works within the framework of established historical criticism, but is concerned to show how the early Church encouraged the equal participation of men and women. Only later did men seize control of Christian institutions. Fiorenza believes that it is the task of feminist theologians to uncover the true heritage of women within Christianity.

   D. Hampson, Theology and Feminism (1990);

   L.M. Russell (ed.), Feminist Interpretations of the Bible (1985).