Four new advocates have been appointed to become Bishop’s Advisors for Women’s Ministry. The team will work at a diocesan level on all areas which affect ordained women. This includes recruitment and interviews; maternity and anti-bullying policies; to wellbeing and support systems as well as encouragement for senior roles.
They are available to offer advice for individuals and advocate for them and will build on the supportive clergy network established by their predecessor, the Revd Felicity Scroggie. The Revd Liz Jackson, who is Associate Archdeacon of Berkshire, will coordinate the new roles.
Find out more about each of our Bishop's Advisors in Women's Ministry below, and read some inspiring stories celebrating the lives and ministry of women through the years, told to commemorate the 30th anniversary of women's ordination to the priesthood.
The Revd Canon Rosie Harper
Ordained in Christ Church, Oxford, the Revd Canon Rosie Harper has served in the diocese ever since as Vicar of Great Missenden and Bishop’s Chaplain for the late Bishop of Buckingham, the Rt Revd Dr Alan Wilson.
As a member of the General Synod, Rosie was part of the process affirming women bishops in 2014. She has a deep commitment to justice and equality within and beyond the church and has written widely on the topics. Rosie’s particular areas of special interest are safeguarding, women’s ministry, LGBTQIA+ equality and assisted dying.
Rosie said: “I am particularly interested in the next generation. I was involved in the initial fight for women’s ordination, and then I was part of the General Synod that got the women’s bishops confirmation through. But I am very aware we are not there yet – there is lots to work on. Things like maternity leave and a lack of women wanting to come forward and take roles of responsibility.
“I see this as an encouragement role. Some of the younger women I have met are extraordinary. I am keen to work towards ensuring that women have the confidence to claim their own position in the church, inhabiting a church role in a healthy way.”
Rosie can be reached via email.
The Revd Preb Jane Haslam
Jane grew up in a village near Abingdon and, after university, returned to work for a charity in Oxford before becoming a lay assistant in a parish on the outskirts of Newbury.
She completed ordination training at Trinity College, Bristol, and was ordained at Wells Cathedral. Since then, she has worked in parish ministry in several different contexts for 25 years, most recently as Rector of the Alfred Jewel Benefice in the Diocese of Bath and Wells where she has been since 2010. Jane was also Chair of the House of Clergy of the Bath and Wells Diocesan Synod since 2017 and Area Dean of Sedgemoor since 2018.
In July 2023 she was appointed as Associate Archdeacon of Dorchester.
“I bring many years of parish experience to the role,” says Jane. “I want to encourage women in their personal ministry, their personal vocations and what God is calling them to do.
“I hope to encourage women in their leadership. That doesn’t necessarily mean climbing ‘the ladder’ but their leadership style and flourishing in that leadership role. And to help them grow in confidence, to consider what other options there might be,” she said.
Jane can be reached via email and is also supporting Berkshire while we await our next Advisor.
The Revd Dr Jenni Williams
Jenni is supporting the Oxford area - stay tuned for more information.