Bliss, Catherine (1908–1989)

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Bliss, Catherine (1908–1989)

English religious-education leader. Name variations: Dr. Kathleen Bliss. Born 1908 in London, England; died 1989 in England; studied theology at Cambridge University; m. Rev. Rupert Bliss.

Leader in religious education who worked extensively with ecumenical World Council of Churches and pushed for an expanded role for women in the church, served on British Council of Churches (1942–67); chaired committee on Laity for World Council of Churches (WCC, 1948) and took keen interest in lay and educational concerns of organization; helped form commission on Life and Work of Women in Churchs (1949); published The Service and Status of Women in the Churches (1952) and The Future of Religion (1969); served as secretary of Church of England board of education (1957–66); lecturer in religious studies at University of Sussex (1966–73).