In “Thecla: The Rebel Saint Who Baptized Herself,”  Rev. Sara Ewing-Merrill, HopeGateWay’s Lead Pastor, reflects on the ancient story of Saint Thecla, a woman who defied patriarchal expectations by surviving trials in the arena and baptizing herself without seeking male permission. Pastor Sarah draws parallels between Thecla’s courageous resistance against empire and modern activists, challenging us to find divine authority within ourselves and live with the same radical bravery and solidarity that Thecla demonstrated.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​