Elizabeth Farians, educator, theologian, and founder of the National Organization for Women's Ecumenical Task Force on Women and Religion, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1923. The daughter of Charles Herbert and Hilda Elizabeth (Born) Farians, she received her B.S. (1943) and her master's degree in education (1952) from the University of Cincinnati. After several years as a physical education teacher, EF enrolled in the graduate program in Theology for Women at Saint Mary's College-Notre Dame in Indiana, receiving her Ph.D. in 1958.
EF taught Thomistic philosophy at the University of Dayton (Ohio), 1962-1964, with the understanding that she would eventually teach theology. She was fired when she reminded the administration of their promise. She then taught theology at Sacred Heart University in Bridgetown, Connecticut (1964-1967), but was fired by that institution as well, this time for inviting a young Vietnam War protestor who had burned his draft card to speak to her students. Next, she taught at Loyola University in Chicago (1968-1970), where her dismissal was due to her highly visible role as a feminist critic of the Catholic Church. She then served as director of the Women's Institute of the Boston Theological Institute (1971-1972), and in 1972, became a consultant for Women's Affairs and Social Concerns in Cincinnati.
EF's political and social activities have covered a wide range of subjects. She has actively supported racial integration programs, efforts on behalf of animal rights and the abolition of the death penalty, and women's rights. She was a member of the national board of NOW from 1967-1972. A founder of NOW's Ecumenical Task Force on Women and Religion in 1966, she served as the task force chairman from 1966 to 1972. She was also a convener of NOW chapters in Connecticut, New Jersey, and Cincinnati. She was on the board of directors of Catholics for a Free Choice (1972-1975), and founder of the Joint Committee of Organizations Concerned with the Status of Women in the Church (1970).
EF is the author and editor of several publications, including The Prophecy: A New Revolution (1973), The Double Cross: Writings on Women and Religion (1973), Selected Bibliography on Women and Religion 1964-1973 (1973), A Program of Women's Studies for Colleges and Universities (1971), and NOW Papers on Women and Religion (1970).
From the guide to the Papers of NOW officers, 1965-1973, (Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute)
