Today marks 30 years since an initial cohort of 15 women was ordained in our diocese by the then Bishop, the Rt Revd John Oliver. In our video marking the anniversary, the current Diocesan Advisor for Women’s Ministry, Revd Fran Brealey, looks back on her predecessor, the first person to hold that title, the late Revd Preb Frances Hancock, herself one of that first cohort of women priests. Fran is joined by a current Revd Preb, Kay Garlick, former Chaplain to Her Majesty, the late Queen Elizabeth II. Revd Preb Kay was also one of the first cohort of women priests ordained in the diocese. And two of our most recently ordained women, Revd Lois Beynon and Revd Erin Butler, talk about the legacy of that initial group of women.
There is a service of thanksgiving and celebration at 5.30 this evening at Hereford Cathedral, to mark the occasion, and there will be a national service of celebration at St Paul’s Cathedral, in London, at 5pm on Friday 11th October, the Feast of St Ethelburga, open to all, with seating to be announced on Eventbrite in due course.
Anyone interested in finding out more about lay or clerical ministry can find more information on our website .