Women in Ministry Celebration Greetings
Leaders from across the Anglican Communion sent greetings to the celebration of the St. Margaret’s Visiting Professorship of Women in Ministry on November 6:
From the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby
To all who gather at Church Divinity School of the Pacific on Thursday November 6th…
I am delighted to send greetings to the saints at CDSP and all who gather to celebrate women-in-ministry at the inauguration of the St Margaret’s visiting professorship. Although women have exercised vital ministry since Old Testament times, the church has been slow to recognise and resource it. In many – even most – parts of the world this is still very much the case. I am therefore delighted to hear of this new initiative, and not least at the vision for the new professorship at CDSP to serve the global Anglican Communion. The West has much to learn from the Global South in particular, and this best happens in person, through ‘real presence’ partnerships and exchange, rather than through the internet. At the same time, there are countless female teachers and leaders who would benefit enormously from a sojourn which allows opportunity for travel and study and sabbatical space far from the normal pressures and routines. So I write to share much joy as you gather and I shall watch with expectation at the flourishing of fruit and faith I expect to follow, this year and in the years to come.
+Justin
From Professor Esther Mombo, professor and former deputy vice chancellor (Academics) of St. Paul’s United Theological College in Limuru, Kenya:
Dear Sisters:
The celebration is a concerted effort by us all to name and say no to all the theologies of exclusion and disaffirmation of life as given to us by God. The celebration is a space for us to tell of the wonderful things God has done despite the human efforts to make women fail. I am so happy to be part and parcel of the celebration where we remember. Read more.
From the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, president, House of Deputies of The Episcopal Church:
To my sisters and brothers in Christ at Church Divinity School of the Pacific:
I am delighted to send warm greetings to all of you who are gathered to celebrate the establishment of the St. Margaret’s Visiting Professorship of Women in Ministry. The scholars, donors, and students who have made this initiative possible deserve the thanks of lay and ordained women across the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. Read more.
From the Rev. Dr. J. Rebecca Lyman, Garrett Professor of Church History emerita at CDSP:
I am very sorry to be out of town and miss this consultation and celebration of women’s ministry today. Part of our vision as a committee was “back to the future” in honoring the faithful forgotten essential lay women educated at St Margaret’s House so that our way forward as women in ministry would encompass, support, critique and dream not only ordained ministry, but all the forms and ways of following Jesus in a suffering world. Thank you all for all you do, in all sorts of ways and places, to bring the transformative reality of God’s reign into our hearts and minds and world.
From Pastor Judy Berinai, associate dean of studies at the Sabah Theological Seminary in Malaysia:
Warm greetings from Malaysia in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and heartiest congratulations to the publisher, editors and contributors of such a significant book which recognizes and honors the ministries and mission of Anglican women across the globe. I pray for God’s grace, strength, wisdom and enthusiasm upon Anglican women to continue the good work. May we all continue to be God’s channels to spread God’s love that overcome bitterness, anger, hatred and war on earth. Amen.
Thank you and God bless you and your good work, dear Jenny.
From the Rev. Dr. Ellen K. Wondra, research professor of theology and ethics at the Bexley Seabury Seminary Federation:
When the editors of “Anglican Women on Church and Mission” invited me to contribute to this book, I was delighted and honored –delighted to have a chance to say a few words about things that matter; and honored to be asked to write about the vital importance of the work and thought and prayer of women whose creativity, diligence, and perseverance contribute so much to our church’s quest for faithfulness. The daughters of God have been given boundless strength and insight. I wish I were with you to celebrate, and I join you in looking forward to a time when all women’s voices will be heard and honored.
Thank you all for the many gifts and graces for ministry that you share so willingly. May God continue to bless us along the way.
