'A thank-you—from those taught, challenged, and inspired by her ministry'

The Revd Dr Karen E. Smith was surprised with the presentation of a new volume published in her honour at this year’s Baptist Historical Society Summer Conference 

Remembered Sisters: Essays in Honour of Karen E. Smith, edited by Andy Goodliff and Simon Woodman, celebrates Karen’s significant contributions to Baptist life as a pastor, teacher, historian, and editor.

The book brings together essays from leading Baptist scholars in the UK, the USA, and beyond. Spanning four centuries of Baptist history, the volume reflects the core themes of Karen’s own ministry and scholarship—particularly the recovery of overlooked voices, a deep commitment to covenantal theology, and the spiritual formation of both church and academy.

Remembered Sisters opens with a biographical portrait by Paul Harris and includes Bill Leonard’s account of the "Covenant of Renewal" at Southern Seminary, where Karen taught during a period of major upheaval in the Southern Baptist Convention. Simon Woodman reflects on a decade of co-editing The Baptist Quarterly with Karen, highlighting her commitment to truth-telling and encouragement.

Several chapters recover the lives and writings of Baptist women: Christine Joynes explores 17th-century women preachers, Tim Whelan studies Anne Dutton’s published letters, Peter Morden reflects on Frances Barrett Ryland’s spirituality, and Stephen Copson recounts the work of Miss Ann Bradly in education.

Other essays broaden the scope: D. Densil Morgan surveys nineteenth-century theology in Wales; Andy Goodliff looks at the missionary energy of the Angus Women; Ruth Gouldbourne explores the vocations of anchoresses and deaconesses; and Gale Richards highlights the too-often-silenced voices of Black Baptist women. John Weaver adds a surprising chapter on women in science.

Rosa Hunt explores Welsh Baptist hymnody and memory, Ian Randall honours ecumenist Mary Tanner, and Craig Gardiner brings the volume to a close with a theological reflection on covenantal life—drawing together the threads of Karen’s scholarship and her deep concern for Christian community.

Speaking at the presentation, co-editor Simon Woodman said, 'Karen has shown us that remembering well is itself a theological act.

'This book is a thank-you—from those who have been taught, challenged, and inspired by her ministry.'

Karen revealed she was 'surprised and speechless' on receiving the book. 'I never imagined such a presentation for me,' she said, 'a very humbling experience.'



Remembered Sisters is available now from the Baptist Historical Society