AMERICAN Janet Eldred's passions for feminist theology, women's issues and the elderly have inspired her to write this timely book.

It is based on the stories of 40 church-going women (30 Methodists, nine Anglicans and one Baptist) aged 65 or over, who live in a medium-sized city in the north of England.

Some are in sheltered accommodation, but most live in their own homes.

To protect their identity, and to honour them, the author has given them the names of inspirational women from her own family, friends and colleagues.

Janet Eldred, who has a PhD in Theology And Religious Studies from the University of Leeds and lives in Arthur Street, York, combines oral history with astute analysis.

Her message is simple: churches should not apologise for the high proportion of grey-haired ladies in their congregations - rather they should tap into this treasure-trove of experience and wisdom.

As Phyllis, one of Janet Eldred's interviewees, said: "There's nothing worse than feeling you're not useful any more. It can happen that older people do get overlooked. We just want to be part of a community and, wherever possible, to be a useful member of that community."

Updated: 09:04 Wednesday, October 01, 2003