The first of the women we shall be remembering is Elizabeth Ferard who on 18 July 1862 received the first deaconess’ licence from Bishop Tait of London. This must surely have been one of the first steps on the journey towards the eventual ordination of women as priests and hopefully bishops. She was a deaconess within a religious order working in a poor parish in King’s Cross.

On the following day, the 19^th, we shall remember another deaconess, Macrina (the younger), from the 4^th Century who was also a theologian and teacher of the faith. She was known to have strongly influenced her brothers St Basil and St Gregory in their spiritual lives and might not have been ordained if it wasn’t for her.

Bridget of Sweden, who is remembered on 23 July, was known for the founding of her order and campaigning for the reform of the church. She was another woman of some influence, this time in the 14^th Century.

For me, the most important woman we remember this month is Mary Magdalene and it is her encounter with the risen Christ which seems most significant. That Mary Magdalene was ‘Apostle to the Apostles’ said to me that it was right for women to be ordained and inspired me on my path to ordination. The world was about to be turned upside down by the gospel message and I think that Jesus’ command to Mary, ‘go to my brothers and say to them, "I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." ’ was the beginning of that eruption. Giving such a message to a woman was outrageous – women were considered unreliable witnesses (as were shepherds who received the announcement of his birth) and were not allowed to give evidence in law. Jesus regarded Mary as a reliable witness and John regarded her as credible or he wouldn’t have recorded her experience for us.

It is good to be working in a team where the ministry of women is accepted as normal and has been warmly received. I am particularly pleased that there is another woman on the team – helps balance out all the Mirfield men! Joking apart, men and women do complement each other and it makes for a good mix within the team. At Julia’s licensing we will be celebrating the ministry of every member of our team and churches and during the month celebrating some pioneering women who helped pave the way for Julia and I to hear and respond to God’s call to share the gospel and find ourselves ministering in this team.