The Diocese of Leeds has launched a new webpage to help support women’s ministry in our large and diverse diocese.
As a large diocese, we have five Advisors for Women’s Ministry for our five episcopal areas, and this new page shares more about them, their work and the support they can offer.
The Rt Revd Anna Eltringham, Bishop of Ripon and the bishop in our diocese who holds the portfolio for Women’s Ministry, commissioned our Advisors at a service commemorating 30 years of women priests held at Bradford Cathedral last year.
Known as DAWMs (Diocesan Advisor for Women’s Ministry), the team work to promote full inclusion of women at every level of church life, and to advocate for women’s ministry in the diocese.
Being ordained women, with a variety of experience, age and family circumstances, they understand the needs and challenges that ministry brings.
Describing the work of the DAWMs, the Revd Julie Clarkson, Advisor in the Ripon area, said: “As well as our “day jobs” as ordained women, we understand the needs and challenges that ministry brings and we are committed to help, support and represent women from all backgrounds and contexts.
“We are passionate about helping them continue to take out the message of Jesus Christ, which is what brought us all into ministry…regardless of our title.”
The team of DAWMs aim to represent the needs and situations of ordained women; bring to the attention of Bishops any matters relevant to women’s ministry; assist in the development and maintenance of policies, practices and habits which help to minimise discrimination on grounds of gender; and enable the diocese to address the factors which inhibit that development.
The new page can be found here.