Where women build new lives By Jane Lampman, Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor Thu Apr 13, 4:00 AM ET
Posted on Thursday 13 April 2006
Dear fellow Sister Goddesses,
This headline caught my eye and it turned out to be about a female preacher who set up wonderful organization called ‘Magdalene.’ Leaving aside the potential ‘religious’ aspect, it just seems to me that Magdalene is everywhere, not only within metaphysical and Goddess groups. I think that, if the founder of this organization is sincerely not pushing patriarchal beliefs on the women, what she is doing to heal the rifts in Consciousness regarding the ‘Shadow’ that has plagued the Archetype of the Magdalene, is fabulous. (Disclaimer: I don’t know anything else about this group, so I am going on what I’ve read here only).
Priestess Silvia Pancaro
NASHVILLE, TENN. – When the Rev. Becca Stevens began visiting Nashville jails a decade ago, one visit turned into a high school reunion of sorts: One of her former classmates was the police officer at the desk that day, and another was a prostitute behind bars.
Struck by the thought that “all of us could be in another’s position,” Ms. Stevens, an Episcopal priest, pondered what she could do to make a difference.
In 1997, Stevens founded Magdalene, a two-year residential community for women with a criminal history of prostitution and drug abuse. Conceived as a place of sanctuary and recovery – to provide safety, discipline, and an unconditional love that the women have never known – it has apparently worked wonders.
The community has grown from one to four houses, plus a new beauty-products business where a number of the women work. More than 50 women have turned their lives around – to be “clean,” hopeful, and productive.
“I was 42 years old and didn’t have a life,” says Clemmie Greenlee, who was on drugs and on the streets for some 20 years. “God woke me up and I found He has work for me to do.” A 2003 graduate of Magdalene, Ms. Greenlee is now married and working in the community to counter gang violence among youths. She also runs a recovery house for substance abusers. An exuberant woman who exudes joy, Greenlee adds, “They see me going strong, and it gives them hope.”