Ms. Violet E. Rudd was elected the Administrative Secretary of American Baptist Women in 1951 and the Executive Director in 1976. She was a forward-thinking and adaptive leader during the emergence of American Baptist Women’s Ministries (ABWM). Ms. Rudd was deeply committed to equipping the Women of God for life on mission. During her time of leadership from 1951-1976, ABWM pursued that call through the institution of a magazine geared towards equipping women for a life on mission, establishing annual conferences, and cultivating a strong network of well-trained female leaders at every level.
Throughout her time in leadership at ABWM, Violet Rudd was committed to conversing with regional and state leaders and American Baptist women about their needs, struggles, and ministries so that ABWM could best foster the gifts and meet the needs of American Baptist women. This focus was institutionally seen in the leadership training program instituted by the national board to cultivate the giftings of American Baptist women. This program was a training ground that led many participants to become state and regional presidents.
Violet E. Rudd was sensitive and responsive to the social realities of her time. She led ABWM to think critically and respond Biblically and Theologically to questions of racism, poverty, and segregation during the Civil Rights Movement and pushed for full racial integration in women’s society. Institutionally, Ms. Rudd made space for all women’s voices by advocating for women of color to serve in leadership on the board. As society considered topics of feminism and the role of women in society, ABWM remained responsive and continued to think together critically and respond Biblically and Theologically. Their responses included bringing influential female Biblical scholars like Phyliss Tribble to share their scholarship with American Baptist women at conferences.
The service and ministry of Violet E. Rudd instituted a strong foundation from which ABWM continues to build, grow, and lead. We are proud to continue developing leadership, fostering community, and responding to the changing world with relevant, Christ-centered advocacy and awareness.