The Edwardian era is generally regarded as witnessing the culmination of what has come to be known as ‘the first wave of feminism’. This presented challenges for those Christian denominations, such as Congregationalism, which sought to project a ‘progressive’ image. To prosper, Congregational churches in Hampshire depended upon skilful and industrious women, who often constituted two thirds of the membership. Yet despite the acknowledged contributions of women to church life, including Sunday school teaching, fund raising, pastoral care and social work, as well as moves within society towards enhancing their status, in the main they were excluded from positions of leadership.

中文翻译：

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“熟练而勤奋”：爱德华时代汉普郡的妇女与公理会 1901-1914

爱德华时代通常被认为见证了后来被称为“第一波女权主义”的高潮。这对那些试图投射“进步”形象的基督教教派提出了挑战，例如公理会。为了繁荣，汉普郡的公理会教堂依赖有技巧和勤奋的女性，她们通常占成员的三分之二。然而，尽管妇女对教会生活的贡献得到公认，包括主日学教学、筹款、教牧关怀和社会工作，以及在社会中为提高她们的地位而采取的行动，但总的来说，她们被排除在领导职位之外。