Letter from Clare
On Lady Day (March 25th), Bishop Richard invited the women who had been ordained 10 years ago to lunch with him, and to a photo call for the press, 10 years on. It was good to see old friends, some of whom have left the diocese, and are now working in other places. Some friends were not with us, as they now rejoice in the company of heaven, with God and the angels. It all seemed a bit surreal, it didn't seem like 10 years, though when I looked at the photographs, I realised it was, I didn’t have flecks of grey 10 years ago, and I definitely do now, and other signs of ageing too. Priests are not immune.
10 years ago, it seemed as if we were really breaking new ground, our ordination was controversial, some people were vehemently opposed and wounded by the event, whatever our joy, we could not be unaware of others pain. My father, would only attend the event as my father, he wouldn't share in the priestly laying on of hands, that was a step too far. Now it feels, as if we have largely been accepted, it is not to say that there are not people who are not happy, there are, but we seem to have come through these years, with a great deal of grace, and we have shown that it is possible to live creatively with difference, without drawing barricade lines.
Sadly, the same is not so true for our world, where we seem to be witnessing increasing divisions, between ethnic groups, those of different sexual orientation and religions. The divisions are sometimes expressed in a violent fashion, seemingly beyond our comprehension. But there is a profound need for us all to grow in understanding of each other, how much would any of us claim to know about Islam, or understand about homosexuality? I was fascinated to read of the importance of hospitality within the Islamic tradition, though the media haven’t given much coverage to the importance of that element of the faith, nor much else, preferring to report in sound bites, rather than engage in listening and learning.
Listening and learning begin from the cradle and remain with us to the grave; our lives are a pilgrimage, a journey to God, who so often reveals himself in the stranger’s guise. The words of Jesus following the resurrection were words of peace, we still need to hear those words spoken to us today, but only we can turn the words into action.
Can I in conclusion, thank all of you who supported me in any way when in March I was made an honorary Canon of the Cathedral. I was very touched by the large number of cards, presents and kind words. I recall reading when I first came to the benefice 6 years ago in one of the parish's PCC Minutes, horror at the thought of a "Woman Vicar ". Thank you for your preparedness to live with difference and allow me to live, learn, work and grow with you. If any one would like to join me at the Cathedral on May 1st for our Celebration Service of 10 years of women and men working together in priestly ministry, I would be delighted. Lifts can be arranged! We shall celebrate too, on the Sunday morning service at Cretingham at 10.00am.
Clare