Journal: Priscilla Papers
Volume: PP 38:1 (Winter 2024)
Article: Theologian, Feminist, Ballerina, Mentor, And Friend: A Tribute To Dr. Ann Loades (1938–2022)
Author: Mimi Haddad

Theologian, Feminist, Ballerina, Mentor, And Friend: A Tribute To Dr. Ann Loades (1938–2022)

Mimi Haddad

Mimi Haddad serves as president and CEO of CBE International. She has taught as an adjunct associate professor of historical theology at Fuller Theological Seminary, Olivet University and has taught for institutes and organizations worldwide. She is a graduate of the University of Colorado and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Summa Cum Laude). She holds a PhD in historical theology from the University of Durham, England. Mimi received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University in 2013. She was a founding member of the Evangelicals and Women Study Section at the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) and Evangelicals for Justice. She continues to serve on the leadership of ETS’s Evangelicals and Women.

When considering PhD supervisors, the sage advice of Dr. Aída Besançon Spencer is worth considering. She said, “Find someone you would like to become like.” Imagine my delight in learning that Professor Ann Loades had agreed to supervise my PhD at Durham University! Having taught theology at Europe’s leading theological departments, Ann was a leader of leaders. The first woman to hold a personal chair as Professor of Divinity at Durham University, she was also the first woman president of the Society for the Study of Theology.1 In 2001, Ann was the first woman to join the governing body of Durham Cathedral as a Chapter Member. What is more, in recognition of her theological achievements, Queen Elizabeth II awarded Ann the title Commander of the British Empire (CBE), an honor that, again, distinguished Ann from her peers.

A leading theologian, Ann lectured and published widely with a focus on feminist theology and related topics, both practical and theoretical.2 To me, her brilliance and penetrating critique, coupled with the speed at which her thoughts flowed, was initially daunting. The sheer force of her competence was always balanced by a tender heart filled with compassion for those at the margins. As her PhD student, it was challenging to discuss a topic she knew better than most resources I consulted. Yet, she humbly guided my research even as my thoughts were in process, investing herself fully in serving me and those I was committed to serving. As I approached my dissertation defense, our relationship deepened around our shared love of ballet, spiritual theology, and equipping the church through our passions, our God-given gifts, and our advocacy for women’s humanity, dignity, and leadership.

My favorite memories are the post-graduate seminars Ann led yearly. These lectures nearly always included two to three comments in ancient and ...