A Gathering of Women Clergy, Brussels, 4th – 6th June 2019

It was a privilege for eleven ordained women from all over the Diocese in Europe to take part in a two-day gathering in Brussels, entitled “Affirming our Ministry”. We hailed from northern France, Switzerland, Greece, Copenhagen, the Netherlands and Brussels itself. 

We are so thankful to Bishop Alison of Hull for her wise, sensitive and flexible leading. One of the many gifts of this occasion was that as a small gathering we felt able to share stories in what quickly became a safe space. We found plenty to celebrate as we explored robustly some of the challenges in our contexts.

Bishop Robert encouraged us to lead, care and be courageous in the pattern of the Good Shepherd; while Bishop Alison exhorted us to have resilience to inhabit the bigger world. Together, with Bishop Robert and Bishop Alison, we explored ideas to further grow and develop the ministry of women priests in our European context and we look forward to the continuing enhancement of women’s ministry, lay and ordained, across the diocese at every level.

With grateful thanks to The Revd Canon Carolyn Cooke, Adviser for Women's Ministry in the Diocese in Europe, and the participants at this Gathering for contributing this piece.