CAPTION: The Bishop of Crediton was eight months pregnant when she was ordained in 1994
Tribute to “trailblazers” on 25th anniversary of women’s ordination
The Bishop of Crediton has said that the Church of England has come a long way since the first women priests were ordained 25 years ago on 12 March 1994.
But she said the church was still on a “journey” which would take some time.
The Rt Rev Jackie Searle, who was ordained in April 1994 at St Paul’s Cathedral, said: “1994 was a very significant year for me because I was also eight months pregnant with our first child.
“I was approaching the ordination to priesthood and becoming a parent at the same time. Two really big changes in life that were giving me a great deal to think and rejoice over.”
Bishop Jackie said during her ordination service a man stood up to object. Once he had spoken, the congregation were asked: “Is it your will that these women be ordained?”
She said she was deeply moved when the congregation “leapt to their feet and cheered and shouted ‘it is!’
“Although it had been difficult, it became a moment of great joy and celebration.”
Rt Rev Searle was installed as Bishop of Crediton in 2018. She said it had taken a lot longer than she expected for women to be allowed to become bishops:
“I had no idea it would take as long as it did…. not all churches within the Anglican Communion have made the decision to have women bishops.
“So we know we are still on this journey and it is going to keep going for some time.”
Rev Helen Sherlock said she is standing on the shoulders of the first women priests
Rev Helen Sherlock is a new curate who was ordained in 2018. She is now based at Unlimited Church and Alphington Church, both in Exeter, and said:
“It is a disappointment that it took so long for us to be ordained as women.
“It’s worth celebrating that we have moved so far forward but we should not relax and not think we still haven’t got a way to go.”
Rev Sherlock also paid tribute to the first women priests and those who campaigned for the ordination of women:
“I’m standing on their shoulders. They were the trailblazers and I know that it wasn’t an easy journey for them and they have made it easier for us.
“In a way they have passed on the baton to us. I’m here because of them.”
