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 Gemma Donnell
Originally from the Midlands, Gemma has spent most of her adult life living and working in Berkshire. First as a youth and children’s worker and then, following ordination training at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, as a curate. Following some time as Rector of a multi-parish Benefice in Salisbury Diocese Gemma is now Rector of the Parish of Finchampstead and California.
As a childless woman in ministry this is a particular area of interest for Gemma, as is language use in churches. Gemma says: “I’m really honoured to take on this role and I’m excited to support and encourage other woman and explore how we can help the church to be the best it can be for everyone.”
Gemma can be reached via email.
The Revd Dr Jenni Williams
Jenni Williams is the Vicar of St Matthew’s Church, Oxford. Jenni started out as a teacher of modern languages and was ordained int eh Diocese of Manchester in 2000. After serving her title, Jenni became Tutor in Old Testament at Wycliffe Hall whilst being SSM at St Peter’s, Wootton.
Jenni is married to Jon who is a hospital chaplain and has two children, one of whom has learning disabilities and ASC. Jenni says: "I am passionate about helping ordained women thrive in whatever ministry the Lord calls them to."