The Struggle to Stay: Why Single Evangelical Women Are Leaving the Church

The #MeToo era has brought attention to the oppression of women in evangelical communities, but more than thirty million women remain in these churches. Katie Gaddini's documentary, "The Struggle to Stay," explores the personal narratives of single women in these churches and the complexities of obedience and resistance within a patriarchal religion. It provides a revelatory account of the private burdens that evangelical women bear.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Evangelical Christianity has often been perceived as oppressive towards women, particularly in the context of the #MeToo era, where widespread sexism has been addressed within these communities. However, it is noteworthy that over thirty million women in the United States identify as evangelical. This raises the question of why these women remain in male-dominated churches that marginalize them, and why some choose to leave. In exploring these issues, "The Struggle to Stay" offers an intimate and insightful portrayal of the experiences of single women within evangelical churches.

The author, Katie Gaddini, gained unprecedented access to churches in both the United States and the United Kingdom, allowing her to relate the struggles of four women interwoven with her own journey of leaving behind a devout faith. Through rigorous analysis of Christianity and politics in both countries, Gaddini contextualizes these personal narratives through interviews with over fifty other evangelical women.

Gaddini delves into the complexities of obedience and resistance for women within a patriarchal religion, particularly against the backdrop of a culture war. She explores how women navigate the decision to leave or remain in environments that constrain them, offering a nuanced and personal account of their experiences. The book tells powerful stories of faith, community, isolation, and loss, shedding light on the private burdens that evangelical women carry.

Through meticulous research and deep empathy, "The Struggle to Stay" provides a revelatory account of the private struggles faced by evangelical women. It challenges the notion that these women are passive victims and highlights their agency and resilience in navigating challenging circumstances. The book offers valuable insights into the complexities of faith, gender, and power within evangelical communities and serves as a call to action for those seeking to create more inclusive and equitable spaces for women within these faith traditions.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 139 x 217 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231196758