The Best Diocese to Be a Woman in!

‘This is the best diocese to be a woman in’. So says Moira Astin (page 3) about her experience of having a child whilst ministering full time as a priest in Thatcham, Berks. Her words are testimony to how much has been achieved in 10 years. Yes, sometimes the machinery for dealing with issues like maternity leave and pay looks a little old and sounds a little creaky in places (for example, the grant for a pregnant clergywoman from the diocese is just £150 - a figure that hasn’t changed, I’m reliably informed, in a decade.) And we certainly need to look at creating more flexible posts to help both men and women with caring responsibilities. The new Diocesan strategy, Shaping the Future, which calls for more flexibility in our Christian communities, should be the perfect vehicle for this discussion. The question of value is also central here: the Church (clergy and congregation) has been as guilty as any large organisation for seeming only to value those in full-time, paid posts. If the new strategy is to work at all, this view needs to be stamped on urgently. Licensed lay ministers (or Readers) and lay people are essential to the future of the Church. Parishes need to embrace all those who offer up their talents and time in God’s service - be they male, female, part-time, full time, paid or unpaid.

I can’t not mention the new Bishop of Reading in this editorial. Although I have met Stephen Cottrell only once, I heartily agree with the view I have heard echoed round the Diocese - that he is truly an answer to prayer. He has the gifts needed to take us forward, and help heal the rifts which emerged last summer. He handled the onslaught by the media with dignity and courage - qualities reflected by Canon Jeffrey John, who immediately sent a message of support and welcome to the new Bishop. One man has found his new home - the other, I continue to hope, will be offered his soon.