WILLIAM & CATHERINE BOOTH (PART 16)

Engagement as a Time of Growth

As fast and furious as William and Catherine’s courtship had been, their engagement would be a time during which their love would grow and develop—a process that is recorded line after line in their letters to one another over the next few years. This long “written” engagement also offered them the unique opportunity to address many issues and differences of opinion.

Resolving Differences Through Letters

It deemed more difficult for them to carry on any harsh arguments through written correspondence, and they worked through many issues other couples do not deal with until several years into their marriages. Letter by letter, they came together on difficult points of theology, child-rearing, evangelism, and other matters; building a foundation, not only for their life together, but also for their future ministry together.

Discussing Gender Equality

Perhaps the most significant difference of opinion discussed in their correspondence related to the issue of gender equality. As Catherine put it in a letter:
“I am ready to admit that, in the majority of cases, the training of women has made her man’s inferior; but that naturally, she is in any respect, (except in physical strength and courage), inferior to man I cannot see cause to believe; and, I am sure that no one can prove it from the Word of God.”

William’s Support for Women in Ministry

William’s response was guarded, but he soon came around to be as avid a supporter of women in the ministry as Catherine:
“Thy remarks on woman’s position I will read again before I answer. I would not stop a woman preaching on any account; I would not encourage one to begin. You should preach if you felt moved thereto; felt equal to the task. I would not stay you if I had the power to do so. Although I should not like it, I am for the world’s salvation, and I will quarrel with no means that promises help.”