200 years ago, and even today in many places, the Bible was used as justification that slavery was acceptable. Up until only a few years ago, the Bible was used as justification for the oppression of women and for denying them positions of authority in the church. What has changed and what has not?

Rev. Brenda K. Smith is currently Director for Discipleship & Evangelism for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  Prior to this call Rev. Smith was pastor of New Hope Lutheran Church in Jamaica, Queens for 13 years.  Ministry for Rev. Smith was a second career move. Before ministry, she graduated from New York University with a B.S. and M.S. in nursing, worked as a pediatric staff nurse, senior staff nurse and part-time nursing supervisor at New York Hospital in Manhattan before moving to Columbus, Ohio to teach child health at Capital University.

In her spare time she enjoys reading, going to movies and spending time with family and friends.  She readily accepted the invitation to preach at Our Savior because it was the congregation that hosted her trial sermon and they were extremely welcoming to her during that time.  Also, she, Pastor Bob Fritch and his wife Cindy have known each other since their days in Columbus, Ohio together.  In addition, thanks to this trip she gets to see some of her friends and former New Hope members!  She is grateful to Our Saviour and God for this preaching opportunity.