By Betsy Shirley
Editor in Chief, Sojourners

Drumroll, please: I'm delighted to bring you our annual list of Christian women shaping the church. Some of these women lead at podiums, pulpits, and other spaces that have historically been closed to women. Others totally redefine what leadership means as they shape the church by illustrating, organizing, growing things, or working behind the scenes. I celebrate the way these women are disrupting the long arc of Christian patriarchy—and hope we dare to be the kind of church their prayers and blessings for 2026 call us to be.

Reimagining faith and justice leadership feels especially timely as we continue to process the devastating abuse allegations against late organizer César Chávez. As Kat Armas wrote this week, what if the people we consider to be the foundation of our movements look less like the people standing at podiums and more like your grandma?

Elsewhere this week, we’re following the dark humor of Taylor Tomlinson’s new comedy special that’s surprisingly healing for anyone with church kid baggage. Plus, here’s the thing we wish more Christians would say about the U.S. war with Iran and a possibly unpopular idea about the church’s role in helping ICE agents who want out.

10 Christian Women Shaping the Church in 2026 (by Evana Upshaw)

Their leadership is inspiring. The faith and justice movement would not exist without them.

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Our Latest Stories

There Is No Biblical Justification For This War (by Michael Woolf)

The Trump administration is begging Americans to accept its convoluted moral logic for war. Christians must say no to brutality and violence.

When Leaders Like César Chávez Fall, Abuelitas Remain (by Kat Armas)

From King David to the disgraced UFW co-founder, patriarchy has protected power and obscured harm. But there is another way.

Taylor Tomlinson Turns Purity Culture Baggage Into Comedy (Emma Cieslik)

In Prodigal Daughter, comedy becomes catharsis as Tomlinson unpacks faith, shame, and late-blooming queer life.

Some ICE Agents Want Out. Christians Can Help Them (by Colin Martinez Longmore)

Protesters have chanted “Save your soul and quit your job” at ICE agents. Christians can help make that a reality.

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Progressive congregation seeks full-time Pastor of Children & Student Ministries

Are you a progressive Christian with a heart for justice who feels called to student ministry? Brentwood Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Springfield, MO, seeks a Pastor of Children & Student Ministries. This role cultivates faith formation and discipleship from a progressive Christian perspective within an inclusive community of faith.

Action Alert: No War With Iran!

Contact Congress now to demand peace and an end to the war with Iran. As Christians we know that each and every life is precious and every step must be taken to avoid bloodshed. Instead of recklessly pursuing a policy of escalation, we demand an end to violence and vigorous oversight from Congress in pursuit of peace.

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