Joan M. Martin is a Protestantfeminist theologian. Martin has been politically active with a number of different feminist causes and is notable for her 1978 congressional testimony on behalf of the Equal Rights Amendment.[1]
Martin was part of a group of faith-based feminists, including Sonia Johnson from Mormons for ERA, who testified in Congress in support of the ERA in August 1978.[1] Johnson noted in her book, From Housewife to Heretic, Martin was an impressive speaker who "...had immense dignity and presence, and was splendid under interrogation. Also intimidating, to me."[4]
In Martin's testimony, she stated, "To live out our faith and freedom, we must exercise it as whole persons; otherwise it has no meaning. In the context of the ERA ratification process, failure to pass the amendment hinders women from the exercise of our civil rights."[1]