This consultation took place on Monday 15th November.

Pictured from left to right:

The Rev Rosie Ward, The Rt Rev Mike Hill, The Rev Lis Goddard, and The Rt Rev Andrew Watson.

Consultation summary

Why are there relatively few women leading larger churches? In some cases this is for theological reasons. But many churches are open to the leadership of women as well as men, yet of some 160 larger churches in the Church of England ('larger' being defined as a usual Sunday attendance - adults and children - of 350+), only 4 women are led by women.

On 15th November 2010, 42 people, from across the church and representing patronage trusts, others involved in making appointments, theological colleges, larger churches, other interested parties, and including some women leading larger churches, attended a consultation sponsored by CPAS and AWESOME (the support network for ordained evangelical Anglican women).

Those who contributed to the day included The Right Revd Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol, The Right Revd Andrew Watson, Bishop of Aston, and the Ven Andy Piggott, Archdeacon of Bath.

Bishop Andrew's presentation explored biblical material, the experience of women leaders, and ... (Continue reading)