Wonderful to be at Vanessa’s licensing at the Cathedral yesterday. Have had the joy of walking some of her vocational journey with her: great to see young female priests thriving in The Diocese of St Albans

Meet Joseph Barnes who will serve in the parish of Bedford, St Andrew @standrewsbed The Church of England St Albans Cathedral Alan Smith #Ordinations2023 #NewRevs

Have said this before and will say it again. I love our PCC @standrewsbed Amazing evening of vision casting and priority setting.

Was told today that my leadership is the Church equivalent of Bazball. I have literally no idea what this means. Am minded to assume it is positive until I am told otherwise.

Thinking a great deal today how we effect change in the Church. About the difference between campaign and delivery. Between righteous anger and the slow burn of presence. Between deepening division and living with imperfection. Between principle and practice. No easy answers!

Four of the most hopeful words in the English language: ‘I’ve changed my mind.’

Our prayers are with all those affected by the growing violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict, especially those who have been injured, killed or taken hostage. We condemn the appalling desecration of human life and call on everyone to pray for peace. #IsraelPalestineConflict

.@standrewsbed is supporting this emergency night shelter for Bedford this winter. We’ll be sharing ways to get involved, and you can read about the project on the KAP link.

All in all a really good, yet varied, week of Vicaring. Crowned by someone graciously offering me cake with the immortal words: ‘I’ve sat on it a bit, but I think it’s ok.’

Stacey Dooley at the funeral directors on BBC. Humanist celebrant says ‘I don’t believe in a blonde haired, blue eyed man called Jesus.’ Newsflash: neither do I!

What are your favourite ever openings to emails? I’ll start: ‘Hi Mum, I’ve attached my personal statement, if you could take a quick look before I send it off.’ #parentingadults #proudmother #flyingthenest #independentbeings

🎉 This month we're marking 30 years since the first women in the Church of England were ordained priest. Join us on Saturday for a special Eucharist being held at the Cathedral at 5pm 🙌 It's going to be live streamed over at the Cathedral's YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=kBV-2A… 👀

If you imagine that, 30 years on, things for women in the Church are ‘sorted,’ brace yourself and then read the comments on the Church of England post below.

In the Independent Reviewer’s Report into the Blackburn appointments process churchofengland.org/sites/default/…, reference is made in paragraph 83 to NADAWM as a campaigning organisation, which we are not. We’d like to share a thread about what we are:🪡🧵👇

Great new resources for Churches looking to recruit volunteers for their childrens’ ministry. Has been amazing to be part of this project! churchofengland.org/JOIN via The Church of England

This week I get to spend time with a fabulous group of human beings who together support the flourishing of ordained women in the C of E.

Leading God’s people in prayer at the Cathedral. #ThisIsWhatAPriestLooksLike

New data about women in ministry show a slow creep upwards, but nothing near parity; NADAWM’s work continues. churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2024/…