Religion Beyond Patriarchy

I am currently reading the book Buddhism After Patriarchy: A Feminist History, Analysis, and Reconstruction of Buddhism by Rita M. Gross. Yes, I know you're all dying to read it after me ;) It is a great book. Though, somehow I don't think anyone will be fighting me for the book next.

However, the issues it brings up are huge, staggering. We, as women have made slow advances in trying to gain equality on this planet. However, most, I dare say, all popular religious affiliations lag terribly behind in this quest. I believe it is up to each and every woman who believes in a particular religion (spirituality)  to take a stand, speak up and be heard. If we are truly going to follow, practice and believe in a particular religious doctrine and or philosophy (Buddhism) we must do it with dignity.

Whether you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist--as a woman, you must demand that women have equal or greater roles than men in the religion. Ask yourself: Are women permitted to be monks? Priests? Rabbis? Imams? Do women have equal or greater status in all areas of the religious doctrine? Are women given equal or priority seating in the place of worship?  If the answer is no--then the religion is out dated and patriarchal and needs to evolve. A simple concept, yet will require much work, diligence and courage on every woman who follows that religion. And horrifically, in some cultures, I realize that women risk their lives by trying to stand up and be heard.
Forward ever, backward never.