Would you like to know more about the curriculum itself? Here are answers by Nancy Irons to a few of the most commonly asked questions:
In 1977 the UUA General Assembly unanimously passed the Women & Religion Resolution, calling on all individual UUs and UU organizations to examine and put aside sexist assumptions, attitudes, and language; to explore and eliminate religious roots of sexism in myths, traditions and beliefs.
The impact of this resolution has been profound; ranging from the establishment of women’s spiritual retreats, to the rapid increase in the number of female UU ministers. It has prompted incorporation of more ritual, such as chalice lighting and “Joys and Sorrows” into our services, as well as the review and revision of our Principles and Purposes. Curricula celebrating the female as divine have been developed, including Cakes for the Queen of Heaven.
Q. What is “Cakes for the Queen of Heaven”. . . a cooking class?
A. “Cakes for the Queen of Heaven” is a woman honoring adult RE curriculum by Rev. Dr. Shirley Ranck. It examines pre-Judeo Christian cultures that may have worshiped the female as divine. The concepts of equality and reverence for the female in a religious setting are eye-opening to many participants.
More than Goddess 101, this workshop series examines important elements of today’s women’s lives; personal, interpersonal and societal. It examines how our culture has been influenced by Judeo Christian values. The primary question raised is: How would your life have been different if, when growing up, the divine had been imaged as female? Participants are encouraged to share their own experiences and beliefs, creating trust and strong bonds of friendship.
Q. Why is it called “Cakes for the Queen of Heaven?”
CUUWA (Canadian UU Women's Association) and various congregations have been holding online Cakes classes. The best place to stay informed is in the Cakes Facilitators Facebook Group.
The Neighbourhood UU Congregation presented this service on May 14, 2023, coincidentally the day Rev. Ranck passed away.
How might your life – and world -- have been different if the Divine had been predominantly imagined as female? Participants of the small group "Cakes for the Queen of Heaven" share some of its learnings with the community through stories, song and dance.
We have had many requests for downloadable files, since folks are using more tablets and laptops without a way to play files from a CD. The Resources (slideshows and handouts) from both volumes are now downloadable on the UUWR website! You will need to log in - that information is included when you buy the curriculum. If you have already purchased the set and would like access to the files, please email store@uuwr.org.
Cakes classes often offer three videos by Canadian filmmaker Donna Read.
Goddess Remembered
The Burning Times
Full Circle
They're now available as downloads at a nominal cost:
You might also appreciate Signs Out Of Time, about archeologist Marija Gimbutas.
Dear W & R women --
I finally recorded "Baking Cakes for the Queen of Heaven." You may remember that I wrote it to honor the 20th anniversary of the curriculum and Shirley Ranck (and sang it at GA). You can see that I've been blogging about "Cakes" as well. Please take a listen. Love and light, Nancy Vedder-Shults (author of The World Is Your Oracle)
