Black women in America have carved out a distinctive and instructive faith stance that is influential well beyond the historic black church. Diana L. Hayes, a leading commentator and forger of womanist thought, especially in the black Catholic setting, here offers strong brew for what ails the church, the Christian tradition, and the world. Hayes specifically shows how womanist commitments in the Christian tradition provide a specific critical lens for seeing the strengths and weaknesses of a Christianity that has often flourished at the expense of or neglect of African Americans. As sometime strangers and sojourners in their own church, black women have a unique take on the church's stance on race, class, and gender issues. Yet their unquestioned devotion lends a hope and optimism often missing from critical thought and, as Hayes shows in this powerful volume, invites the church itself to a new conversion and role. Her book unfolds in four parts: Introduction: Standing in the Shoes My Mother Made Part 1: Faith and Worship Part 2: Ministry and Social Justice Part 3: The Public Face of Faith Part 4: A Womanist Faith ChallengeContents Adobe Acrobat DocumentPreface Adobe Acrobat DocumentIntroduction Adobe Acrobat DocumentChapter 1 Adobe Acrobat DocumentSamples require Adobe Acrobat ReaderHaving trouble downloading and viewing PDF samples?"In Standing in the Shoes My Mother Made, Diana Hayes combines personal reflection and commitment with theological analysis to enrich our grasp of womanism, to deepen our understanding of black Catholic experience, to widen our horizons and hearts for a more inclusive ecclesial life."-M. Shawn CopelandAssociate Professor of Systematic TheologyBoston College