Church lifts women ban in priest search
A decade-old rule outlawing women priests has been overthrown by parishioners at a Midland church.
A decade-old rule outlawing women priests has been overthrown by parishioners at a Midland church.
Leaders at St Mary's Church in Enville, near Stourbridge, today welcomed the decision, calling it a "thoroughly constructive move".
The church has been without a leader since former vicar Eric Davies retired in November 2008, and it is hoped lifting the ban on women candidates will encourage more applications to the post.
Church warden Stephen Morley, aged 70, said: "There was a very clear majority in favour of changing the rules and admitting women priests, which is good.
"Feelings do run high when this sort of issue comes up, and such a vast approval of the motion shows how strongly people feel.
"It is a thoroughly constructive move, and one which I hope will make our lives easier in finding a new priest."
He said the issue had been put on the agenda for the Parochial Church Council's quarterly meeting in September.
After what he called a "full and frank" discussion, a secret ballot was held, and the motion to scrap the rule was voted in by a significant majority.
The congregation is currently being looked after by Rev Andrew Collins, who, at the age of 93, came out of retirement to bridge the gap. Mr Morley added: "We're not saying we just want women and are closing applications for men, of course – anyone is welcome to apply.
"It just means we will hopefully get the best person for the job, regardless of gender – and, we hope, soon."
The new priest will be given a four-bedroom home to live in, plus full working expenses, and will be required to work a maximum of 20 hours per week.
This is on top of the three services held at the church every Sunday.
Rector for St Mary the Virgin, Rev David Blackburn, said he felt the decision was the right move.
"I am a great supporter of female clergy, and I look forward with great relish to welcoming a woman priest to our village, should the right one apply," he added.
He said the reason the decision was not made earlier was to avoid upsetting some key people in the parish who objected to the move. "We wanted a period of quiet, to rebuild ourselves as a church," he said.
"Now, people are saying there is a real sense of unity and friendship, a sense of fun and laughter in what we do."
Lichfield Diocese communications director Gavin Drake said: "We welcome and celebrate the decision to allow applications from women priests." The closing date for applications is November 13.
