At 96 years of age, Rev. Marge Ragona is a trailblazing minister and activist who has dedicated her life to social justice, to LGBTQ rights, and racial justice in particular. She has pastored churches in Providence (RI), Boston (MA), and Birmingham (AL). Her ministry was and remains defined by a deep commitment to radical inclusion and advocacy for marginalized communities. She is an ordained minister in the Metropolitan Community Churches. Beyond her pastoral duties, Rev. Ragona is a respected spiritual counselor, offering guidance and support to people from all walks of life. Her approach is rooted in compassion and a belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.
A passionate advocate for peace and non-violence, she has organized many protests and interfaith dialogues, always striving to build bridges and foster understanding. Rev. Marge was involved in the first teach-in and demonstration by gay activists at Harvard Law School in 1977. In May 1978, Ragona held an eight-day hunger strike to support the inclusion of sexuality in a Rhode Island anti-discrimination ordinance. Ms. Ragona provided care, companionship, and spiritual guidance to people living with AIDS in Alabama at a time when those with the disease experienced a great deal of discrimination.
Throughout the 1990s, Ragona held services to honor the lives of those killed in homophobic attacks. In the early 2000s, Ragona was active in supporting gay rights for those in Africa, and Uganda in particular. Ragona officiated at many weddings when gay marriage became legal in Alabama in 2015. Ragona continues to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. She is very active, sharing wisdom and guidance on Facebook.
One of Ragona’s most widely published works is the essay titled “Women and the Bible” in Feminist Views of Christianity, which she co-edited with Jennie Bull in 1972. In the 1970s, Rev. Ragona described the image of God the Father as patriarchal and potentially divisive. She chooses to describe God as a more inclusive, less forbidding entity. Another work with Jennie Bull, De-Sexing Your Local Hymnal, deals with language and inclusivity in religious texts.
Marge Ragona’s archives are held at the Birmingham Public Library. Marge’s wife, Shirley Lambert, passed away in 2016. Lesbian, theologian, organizer, activist, nonagenarian…the Rev. Marge Ragona is a fascinating figure, and we are blessed to still have her with us making a difference in the world. And, you can actually meet her and hear her story in her own voice! Rev. Marge Ragona will be at Sunshine Cathedral on October 11 at 6 pm. Brought to us by the Stonewall National Women’s Funds. This is a ticketed event (just $10). Reserve your spot right away.
