Some of our ordained women gathered in Worcester last week for a ministry morning in response to issues of misogyny and harassment. The aim was to offer a confidential, safe space where women could reflect together and support one another.
Those present were welcomed by Bishop Hugh and the morning included contributions from police representatives as well as the diocesan HR team and safeguarding leads. The morning was organised by Dean of Women’s Ministry, Becky Elliot alongside Jo Hyrons from our diocesan HR team and Janet Fox, Clergy Development Officer.
Becky said: “We heard about a couple of incidents of harassment which began a conversation around what we could do to support our female clergy. As a result, we produced posters and template policies for parishes, and also decided to offer a morning where female clergy could come together and share their stories to help bring healing, clarity and renewed confidence. We hope to run a similar event for Lay Ministers. We want to make it clear that harassment of any kind is not acceptable.”
Bishop Hugh opened the meeting by talking about a number of incidences of harassment/ violence against women which had led to him making a personal commitment to learning more about this, standing with women and using his own voice where appropriate to support women and call out misogyny and violence.
He said: “Throughout the bible we see Jesus regularly engaging with women, holding a space for them in all sorts of different ways. He meets women where they are, stops violence against them and restores them to society. I hope that there will come a day when we don’t need to hold this kind of event, but until then, know that Jesus stands with you and when necessary, so will I.”
