While the collaboration of religious leaders and women activists likely began during the temperance movement, many church leaders became active and enthusiastic supporters of women’s suffrage, at times expressing their support in their sermons.
By 1893, Arkansas suffragists actively sought to control who occupied Arkansas pulpits. That year, the Arkansas Woman Suffrage Association’s annual meeting resolved, “As the churches are mainly made up of and supported by women, we will use our influence against the employment of ministers who are opposed to our movement, and pray the almighty father to keep them from our midst.”