I find it slightly sobering to realise that it is almost forty years since I began training for ordination at Lincoln Theological College in September 1986. Though the college is now sadly closed, I remain hugely grateful for my formation as a minister there, theologically, ministerially and spiritually by a disciplined rhythm of prayer, study and practical experience.
Marking International Women’s Day last week prompted me to look back on that time and notice again how very different an age it was. I trained alongside some remarkably gifted women whose call to ordained ministry was unmistakable, yet at that time could not be fully recognised. Thanks be to God that since then the Church has, under God, ordained both women and men as deacons, priests, and now bishops. It is now almost unthinkable to imagine a Church that does not recognise the gifts and calling of women alongside those of men.
I know I will rightly be reminded that in many places there is still more to do, and that of course we continue to hold a settlement which makes space, with mutual respect, for those who cannot in good conscience accept these developments. Yet I remain profoundly thankful that the ministry entrusted to me is one exercised with both women and men, and I know that not only the Church but the communities we serve are richer for it. In this way the Church is more complete, more catholic, healthier.
This year’s reflections have led me especially to give thanks for the women with whom I have the privilege of sharing ministry – particularly Bishop Rachel, our Diocesan Bishop, and the women clergy of this diocese – for their faith, their witness, and their perseverance. I am also mindful of the continuing cost many bear, including the unjust and often unbiblical abuse they endure on social media.
Above all in all this, I am reminded that the Church is the whole people of God – men, women and children – called to rejoice in one another, and to encourage and support each other as together we are formed into the body of Christ.
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I would be more concerned with how so many people have turned away from the church over the last 40 years. If women priests were such a game changer I haven’t seen much evidence of their association with church growth (perhaps even the opposite for all I know).