This week we mark 30 years since women were first ordained to the priesthood in this diocese, at Hereford cathedral on May 7th 1994

It was a significant moment, following many years of prayer and debate. Today the Church of England opens its orders of ministry equally to women and men, regardless of gender. We can give thanks for all the women since that day who have followed those pioneers and answered God’s call to serve as priests in this and other dioceses.

One of those first 15 women ordained 30 years ago, Prebendary Frances Hancock, became Hereford’s first Diocesan Advisor for Women's Ministry. She had a key role in the campaign for women’s ordination in Hereford and was the unofficial leader of that first group of ordinands in 1994. Frances was a true pioneer, ordained deacon in London, she came to Ross-on-Wye to become Team Vicar of Bridstow and Peterstow, although as a deacon she was then unable to preside at the Eucharist. Almost 60 when she was ordained priest, she was the first woman ever to celebrate Holy Communion in Hereford Cathedral, in September 1994.

Sadly, Frances died last December but she paved the way for many who came after her. Today in Hereford diocese we have more than 50 women serving as priests across a wide range of roles in sector and parish ministry. Half of our incumbents, and half of our rural deans are female. On Bishop’s staff we are blessed by the ministries of women priests Dean Sarah, Archdeacon Fiona, Dr Elizabeth Wild, our Director of Mission and Ministry and our Bishop’s chaplain, Nicol Kinrade. The ministry and mission of the churches in our own group have been sustained by a number of women priests over the years, most recently our dear friends Revd Pam Bickley and Revd Carolyn Chadwick.