Today on International Women's Day (Friday 8 March), we give thanks for all the women who offer their gifts and talents in so many diverse ways across the area of the Diocese.
Bishop Jonathan Gibbs, Bishop of Rochester, and Bishop Simon Burton-Jones, Bishop of Tonbridge, took the opportunity to share a message directly to the women of the Diocese saying:
Dear Sisters in Christ,
Today is International Women’s Day, an opportunity to focus on recognising women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements across the world.
On this day we would like to express our thanks to you for the ministry you offer the Church across the diocese in so many ways. The recognition of the ministry of women in all its different forms has been hard won. We know there is still discrimination and we are committed to working against it.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood. We are very glad that we have the opportunity to celebrate women’s ministry in all its forms at Evensong in our Cathedral on 30 June and hope you will be able to come.
Women have been central to the mission and ministry of the Church from day one. The ministry has been diverse but always in response to God’s call.
Today we celebrate your ministry and thank you for your commitment to the sharing of the gospel for everyone in our time and place.
With our prayers and gratitude
Bishop Jonathan
Bishop Simon
To help celebrate the day, a few of those women who hold a particular role in the Diocese also shared a little something of what they love about what they do.
Sallyanne Decker, Licensed Lay Minister, Cray Valley Benefice
The Rev Anna Drew, Curate at Holy Trinity, Twydall
Liz Wood, Administrator at All Saints' Church, Tudeley and Church Administrator Area Network Leader
The Rev Anthea Harris-Faulkner Priest in Charge at St John the Baptist Church and Christ Church Erith
