(Arch)Bishop Sarah

When I first worked for the church women couldn't be priests.  We had to have male incumbents in authority over us.  No matter how strongly we felt our call to priesthood was, the church couldn't/wouldn't ordain us.  (It was the laity, often women, who were the strongest opponents.)

Then things began to change.  In 1992 the General Synod of the Church of England voted (by a two thirds majority in each of three houses) to allow our ordinations.  It took a year and a half for that to pass into law and happen.

I was priested in 1994.  Women priests faced a lot of petty discrimination at that time.  All of us had to deal with childish behaviour.  

Last year "the 1994 cohort" was invited to a reception at Lambeth Palace and a service at St Paul's Cathedral to celebrate our thirtieth anniversaries.  Joining us were several women bishops, including Sarah Mullaly, the Bishop of London.

Speaking to our cohort Bishop Sarah said "Because you did what you did, I can do what I do."  

Yesterday she was named as the new Archbishop of Canterbury.  I feel very happy that I was part of the huge change which has happened.  And I pray for her as she prepares to take up her new role.