Archdeacon of Rochdale, Cherry Vann talks about her journey to ordination at the celebration of 25 years of women priests in Greater Manchester

Lyn Connolly, Cherry Vann, Barbara Harrison

To mark the 25th anniversary of women first being ordained as priests in the Church of England, a conference in Manchester on Thursday 2 May celebrated how far women have come and mapped the future direction of women’s ministry.

‘Knowing our Place’ featured a great line-up of speakers who spoke movingly of their experiences of being selected, trained and ministering in the Church. Participants heard about some of the barriers to belonging that women still face as they seek to see their calling fulfilled, including ethnicity, gender and disability.

The Archdeacon of Manchester, Karen Lund, and the Archdeacon of Rochdale, Cherry Vann, shared their journeys to ordination in the 1980s, when the Church of England was a very different place.

Cherry spoke of pursuing the journey with trust and obedience, unsure whether she would ever be a priest and have her sense of calling fulfilled. She was among the ‘Class of 94’ – the first 32 women to be ordained priest in Manchester Diocese in 1994.

Karen found the journey at times lonely and difficult, but at the same time recognised that it was a privilege to be a pioneer and help shape the church through her characteristics of discernment, inspiration and passion.

The author, theologian and columnist, Dr Catherine Fox, provided creative insights into the world of the CofE and read from some of her books that subtly charted the changes in women’s roles within the Church.

In a session called Barriers and Belonging, the conference heard from women who found it hard to find their place in a church that is traditionally white, male and middle class. “The Church needs to have people in positions of leadership who better reflect the diversity of the community they serve”, said The Revd Grace Thomas.

Revd Sally Robinson spoke courageously about her ‘unconventional journey’ to priesthood. Although well supported by the diocese in her training, she challenged the inflexible structures that prevented her reaching her full potential academically while also caring for her severely disabled daughter.

Looking to the future women were encouraged to continue pushing the boundaries and challenging the structures that have served the church for so long. Many felt encouraged and empowered by what they heard.

Abby Ogier, Reader, said: “A wonderful conference with many inspirational women speaking and participating, including young voices giving me real hope for the future.”

The Revd Canon Dr Rachel Mann said: “The conference today was simply stunning. A great privilege to sit alongside some stellar speakers, bold and fierce women and inspiring friends.”

After the conference there was a joyful celebratory service at Manchester Cathedral. Christina Rees preached and the Bishop of Ripon, Helen-Ann Hartley, presided.