Incorporates the profound changes in the American Presbyterian church since 1981 when the first edition ended, such as the unification of the northern and southern denominations, and women's achievement of full enfranchisement and ordination rights. Focusing on the national rather than local level, traces changes in the lay participation of women and their ordination from 1789 until 1995, and considers the future. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)