WATCH 30

The thirtieth anniversary of women’s ordination in the Church of England

In 2004,  the  WATCH   (Women and the Church) committee of the Diocese of Chelmsford produced a book called ‘God’s Work of Art’ , essays celebrating the tenth anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood in the Church of England.  In the book, twenty five women priests wrote reflections on their paths to ordained ministry, and it is a fascinating document from the forerunners of women’s ministry.  As Rt Revd John Waine, then Bishop of Chelmsford wrote "These pages tell the story of faithful waiting upon God, of hearing his word, and of obedience to it. They witness to the sending down of the Holy Spirit for the office and work of a priest, whereby the gift of God’s redeeming love is made real".  I would be very happy to lend this to anyone interested. 
Another twenty years on and another celebration; this time in St Paul’s Cathedral, a Sung Eucharist in Thanksgiving for the 30th anniversary of the Ordination of Women to the Priesthood, held on October 11th, the Feast of Ethelburga, Abbess of Barking , 675.

I was fortunate enough to attend, and a very moving service it was. Ten minutes before the service began, a hundred of the ‘Cohort of 1994’ came in clothed in white albs and stoles, and they received a warm and prolonged round of applause. Some of them were on walking frames, some moved very slowly. I recognised several from Chelmsford Diocese, amongst them Revd Christine Shillaker (still very sprightly!) and Canon Ann Easter. 

In the Foreword to the Order of Service, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York wrote ; ‘Thirty years after women were first ordained priest in the Church of England, and with women now ministering as bishops, priests and deacons across our parishes and dioceses, the Church has been immeasurably enriched by their ministry, presence, insight and wisdom. We give thanks for those who passionately, prayerfully and courageously fought for change, often in the face of difficult opposition.  We celebrate the ministry of more than 6,500 ordained women who make up around a third of the clergy today. While celebrating this significant milestone, we look forward to a day when this anniversary is no longer as remarkable, because the church is simply a place where women are able to flourish fully In their lives under God.
It was a magnificent service, representing the diversity and breadth of female clergy across the Church of England. The Archbishop of Canterbury was present but the sermon, the prayers and most of the worship was led by women clergy of all ages and very different backgrounds.

The service was not without some firm words about the fact that the Church continues to ordain men who do not agree with the ordination of women; and in her reflection, the former Archdeacon of Llandaff spoke out against this anomalous situation, and was greeted with a round of applause.

It was very moving to be a part of this occasion, and I give thanks for those women who  were the forerunners. 

The Revd Laura Garnham