In the organizing packet for the CTA/FutureChurch joint project on Women in Church Leadership (WICL), a key ingredient is a pamphlet about "Jesus and Women", written by project coordinator, Sr. Chris Schenk. She received this letter in late February:

Thank you for writing the pamphlet, "Jesus and Women". The religious committee of our Family Violence Council is distributing it. We would appreciate extra copies or permission to print them so they can be distributed by our women's shelters. Many women stay in abusive relationships because of religion. Your beautiful and informative pamphlet will empower women to seek peace in their lives. For every woman who is lifted, a family and future generations come with her. Thank you for your commitment to women.

Sheila M. Murphy, Presiding Judge Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois

P.S. Could you add a paragraph that would say that God does not want women to be abused at home or in employment or in any way?

In the pamphlet, Schenk gives the biblical and historical evidence for Jesus' inclusive, just and egalitarian approach to women. She told CTA News she is thrilled with Murphy's letter, but not surprised. "Justice for women is really indivisible," she said. "Jesus' approach to women gives the basis for just treatment of women both in church and in society."

Judge Murphy supervises 21 judges in her circuit court district in the Chicago metropolitan area. A veteran CTA member, she led a panel discussion on domestic violence at the CTA Conference last October.