On Wednesday 25 January 180 of the women clergy of the Diocese of London, representing over half a millennia of ministry between them, gathered to celebrate 30 years of women priests at a special event entitled, “The Voice of this Calling.”
Hosted by Bishops Sarah, Joanne and Emma, supported by those ordained in 1994, it was both a joyful and poignant occasion with a deep sense of shared ministry and support.
Five ordained women shared their experiences of serving the body of Christ in profound reflections on ministry. It was particularly powerful to hear from one of the early pioneers, ordained 30 years ago, followed by a 30 year old for whom women have always been priests, herself pregnant with a daughter who will always know women bishops.
Paula Gooder, Canon Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral reminded the gathering that in the Scriptures women often waited a long time to receive the blessings of God’s call. But in words from TS Elliot’s poem Little Gidding, our women clergy were exhorted to keep responding to “the drawing of this love”; resolute that “we shall not cease from exploration”; finding in ourselves “the voice of this calling.”
Photos by Hayley Madden
more photos available here