Cornell University Press Gender and Authority in the Late Medieval Church - Cornell Press

Explore the complex dynamics of power and gender in the medieval institutional church with this scholarly work from Cornell University Press. This book examines a fundamental question: why did church governance remain exclusively male despite evidence of women being as capable and devout as men? Ian Forrest investigates the long-standing presence of an all-male clergy, a feature often taken for granted in historical studies. The text connects this gendered structure to the broader strategies used by bishops to maintain control and secure compliance from a relatively autonomous clergy. By looking at these overlooked aspects of episcopal authority, the book provides a fresh perspective on how medieval religious institutions functioned and maintained their hierarchical systems. This is an essential read for students and historians interested in medieval societies, religions, and cultures.