Today we celebrate 30 years of female priests in the Church of England!

I could talk about how 30 years should be far more. I could talk about my own difficult moments with people who don’t agree with it, or the appalling opposition those ordained at the beginning experienced.

But it’s not the day for that. It’s a day to give thanks.

So, instead, here are some female priests I have known from different times and places in my life. Each helped to shape my own journey in some way.

From Ordsall: For Myra, Juliet, Joanna, Julia, Liz, Kate and Sue, Lord I give thanks.

From Southwell and Nottingham: for Sue, Sarah and Naomi, Lord I give thanks.

From Chester: for Dot and Jen, Lord I give thanks.

From London: for Chen and Jane, Lord I give thanks.

From Durham: for Sue, Bryony, Kate and Susie Lord I give thanks.

From Formby: for Alison, Janet, Frances, Sheilagh, Anne, Lord I give thanks.

From Liverpool: for Sue, Helen, Sandra, Bev, Becca, Barbara and Emma, Lord I give thanks.

From Crosby: for Amanda, Kath, Beth and Jackie, Lord I give thanks.

And for my own calling, as the lady in Burundi said, ‘the church needs women like you and me in it‘, Lord I give thanks.