Anglican feminist theologian Ann Loades reflects on the life and meaning of Mary, mother of Jesus. Introductory material helps make the content accessible to a wider readership.

Ann Loades is Emerita Professor of Divinity at Durham University, and Honorary Professor at St. Andrew's University, both UK. She was the first woman (and only second ever person) to be awarded a CBE for "services to theology," the first female President of the Society for the Study of Theology, the first woman to be given a personal chair at Durham, and the first woman to take a seat in the Chapter (governing body) of Durham Cathedral.