New network for women

A new network for complementarian women in Anglican ministry in the UK is being launched under the auspices of Rod Thomas, Bishop of Maidstone.

The organisation, called Co-Workers, will offer online groups, opportunities for mentoring, chances to share experiences, and information about training and employment opportunities for women. There will also be the opportunity to join occasional discussions and seminars on relevant subjects.

Dr Ros Clarke (see photo) of Church Society, who will lead the group, said: ‘As complementarians, we believe that men and women are intended by God to serve alongside one another in ministry, complementing each other with their different gifts and opportunities. Together, men and women form the full complement of God’s people. Without the ministry of gifted, trained and equipped women, the whole church is the poorer. ‘However, as the recent report produced by Dr Kirsten Birkett for the Bishop of Maidstone demonstrates, many women serving in complementarian churches struggle with lack of appropriate training and support. It is not always easy to find like-minded women in similar situations who can offer wisdom and experience. For women in the early stages of ministry it can be particularly hard to find suitable opportunities for training and employment.