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However, the women's rights crusade increasingly is enmeshed with divisive projects of social, moral and theological reconstruction. Many devout Christians, multitudes of women among them, cling ever more fervently to the old ways when all that is hallowed seems in danger of eroding. That perhaps explains why conservative churches that defiantly oppose the ascent of women are still thriving. In order to succeed in the long term, the new Christian feminism must not only claim power and authority for women but also demonstrate that gender equality enhances the church's spiritual and moral strength.