30 years ago the first women were ordained as priests. In the Diocese of Chichester, this took place on 15th May 1994.
Over three decades the Diocese, which encompasses the counties of both East and West Sussex, has benefited from the ministry of numerous women, many of whom had served as deaconesses and deacons prior to 1994.
To mark this milestone, Chichester Cathedral, Mother Church to the Diocese of Chichester, will be hosting a photographic exhibition containing over 30 self-portraits of the women who have served our Diocese, and continue to do so today.
The portraits will be on display alongside short reflections provided by the sitters, upon their ministry, daily life and guidance to those seeking to be part of life of a church.
The Reverend Canon Vanessa Baron was part of the first cohort of women to be ordained at St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1994 and now serves as Canon Residentiary and Treasurer of Chichester Cathedral. Vanessa said: “Our hope is that this exhibition will celebrate the energy, imagination and faith that women priests have demonstrated. It also gives us an opportunity to thank those who have supported us down the years.”
As well as the exhibition, a special Eucharist will take place at the Cathedral on Monday 13th May 2024 at 11.30am with the Bishop of Horsham, the Right Reverend Ruth Bushyager. All are welcome to attend.
The exhibition will be on display from 22nd April - 31st May available to view in the Cathedral’s North Chapels. The portraits, and stories, will also be shared on social media via the Cathedral and Diocesan channels.