McGrew Bennett, Anne, 1903-1986

Anne McGrew Bennett was a feminist theologian and a founder of the Center for Women and Religion at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA, and was married to John C. Bennett, a president of Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

Biographical/Historical Description

Anne McGrew (1903-1986) was born November 24, 1903 in Lincoln County, Nebraska of Scotch-Irish homesteaders. Raised in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the church was always a central part of Anne's life. After high school, Anne taught in a country school then entered college. She received a B.S. degree in elementary education from the University of Nebraska in 1928. She entered Auburn Seminary in upstate New York. There she met and married John C. Bennett, professor of theology and ethics, in 1931. The M.A. in Religious Education was received in 1932.

The next several years were devoted to homemaking and childrearing (three children, Elizabeth, John and William). The Bennetts were at the Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, CA, 1938-43; Union Theological Seminary, NY, 1943-70; Pacific School of Religion again 1970-75; Pilgrim Place, a community for retired church workers, Claremont, CA, 1975 until her death October 19, 1986.

After the children were grown, Anne returned to active participation in church and community life as a lay church person. In the late 30's, the Bennetts had become Congregationalists, that church later becoming the United Church of Christ. She worked actively on and in various committees and organizations, and spoke and wrote on various issues having to do with peace, justice and women's rights in the church and society.

In 1983, Anne received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the Starr King School for the Ministry, Berkeley, CA; and in 1986, she and John were each awarded the Union Medal, Union Theological Seminary's highest honor.

Anne McGrew Bennett and women like her "were role models. They paved the way not simply by their own work, but by encouraging and empowering other women to enter the theological fray. ... We are indebted to Anne McGrew Bennett who fostered feminist critical reflection within the Christian tradition, especially in the churches." (Mary E. Hunt, ed., From Woman-pain to Woman-vision: Anne McGrew Bennett)