The Paradox of Latina Religious Leadership in the Catholic Church Las Guadalupanas of Kansas City

The Paradox of Latina Religious Leadership in the Catholic Church explores how the Guadalupanas, a religious organization of Mexican American women, prevented the closing of their church in Kansas City, Missouri. The book's research reveals the way that religion and social action is both empowering and limiting for women. This study shows the Guadalupanas' awareness of themselves as agents for change and their difficulties in understanding and maintaining their limited gendered roles within church and community. The project offers serious research on religious, cultural, and gender identities, organizing at the grassroots level, and the impact of organizing on the grassroots level an urban community.

Theresa L. Torres is Assistant Professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology at University of Missouri - Kansas City, USA.

Introduction: Las Guadalupanas of Kansas City: The Paradox of Latina Religious Leadership
1. The History of Las Guadalupanas and The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
2. The Kansas City Westside: Home of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
3. Las Guadalupanas Speak
4. Interpreting Las Guadalupanas's Voices
5. Practicing Belief: The Activities and Rituals of Las Guadalupanas
6. The Border Crossing Virgin and Her Daughters: Transgressing New Territories