Three new advocates for women and their ministry within the Diocese of Oxford have been appointed.
The Revd Canon Liz Jackson, the Revd Preb Jane Haslam and the Rev Dr Sally Welch will continue the work of the Revd Canon Felicity Scroggie who stepped back from her role as Bishop’s Advisor on Women’s Ministry earlier this year.
The position was established to work across the diocese on all issues which affect ordained women from recruitment and interviews to maternity and anti-bullying policies, wellbeing and support, alongside encouragement to take up senior roles.
The Revd Liz Jackson, who is Associate Archdeacon of Berkshire, will coordinate the three new area roles. She said: “With recruitment to the Church of England heading towards a 50:50 divide, women are significantly under-represented in senior leadership. So advocates for Women’s Ministry are vital when women already find themselves of the back foot.
“We want to help women be more effective in their mission and ministry. Some of that entails challenging policy and some of that is affecting culture change. Helping things to shift and become better.”
In 2020, a third of those in ordained ministry in England were women, continuing the trend of a gradual increase in female clergy year on year. In the Diocese of Oxford in the same year, 38% of all ministers (stipendiary and non-stipendiary) were women.
The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft said: “As we approach the 30th anniversary of the first women to be ordained in the Church of England, we can look back on a period of rapid change where women’s ministry is concerned and be proud of the progress made. It is our hope these three ministers will build on the foundations laid by Felicity in establishing a network of communication and support among our women ministers here in the diocese.”
During her time in the role, Revd Scroggie looked at a diocesan menopause policy, personal safety for women in light of the murder of Sarah Everard, as well as establishing an annual conference day for diocesan women clergy alongside a network of contacts and support.
Find out more about how women became ordained.
Read more about Liz, Jane and Sally and contact them for support.
Notes to Editor
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