On Friday 11th October, members of the clergy from around the country gathered at St Paul’s Cathedral to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood.

Bishop Sarah presided over the service on Friday evening, which was also led and assisted by many female members of the clergy from across the Church of England. The service was attended by lay and ordained women, from across parishes, sector ministry, theological education, cathedrals, community ministry, campaigning roles and the leadership of dioceses.

The Reverend Canon Peggy Jackson, Honourary Canon at Southwark Cathedral, and former Archdeacon of Llandaff gave a reflection. Peggy was a member of the 1994 cohort of ordained deacons – the first cohort of women to be ordained in this country.

The Reverend Canon Grace Thomas, Canon Missioner for Manchester Cathedral, gave the sermon.

The Prayers of Intercession, written by the Venerable Rachel Mann, Archdeacon of Bolton, were then led by then led by Bishop Sarah, along with The Right Reverend Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester, The Reverend Canon Jemima Prasadam MBE, Honorary Community Priest at Holy Trinity Church, Richmond, and The Reverend Michelle Delves, Associate Mission Priest at Holy Trinity and St Bartholomew’s, Colne.