Diocesan advisers in women’s ministry in the Church of England: towards a theology of practice

Abstract

ABSTRACT It is twenty-seven years since women were first ordained priests within the Church of England. At that time, it was suggested that each diocese should have an advisor in women’s ministry who would support and advocate on behalf of these new female priests. This paper explores the role of Diocesan Advisers in Women’s Ministry (DAWM) – what they do in practice and whether they are still necessary. The research is firmly rooted in the discipline of practical theology and uses qualitative research. A brief background to the research will be given as well as an explanation of the methodology. The findings of the research questions will be viewed through four lenses: ministerial pathways, mainstreaming, pastoral issues, and the Five Guiding Principles. The main aim of this paper, however, is to put forward a theology of practice of Diocesan advisors in women’s ministry, a practice which, it will be claimed, is rooted in advocating, attending, and embodying.