Good News

There have been several landmark moments in world history over the past few weeks, but two in particular have caught my attention: the beginnings of peace talks in Gaza, and the extraordinary news of the appointment of a new Archbishop of Canterbury.

I pray that the negotiations in Cairo might lead to a real and lasting ceasefire, that justice, freedom, and peace might finally begin to take root. And I am overjoyed that we now have the first female Archbishop of Canterbury: a moment that feels both historic and deeply personal.

My own theology of women in leadership has changed over the years, not without personal pain and more than a few scars. Being a woman in church leadership is both wonderful and incredibly difficult, especially when you’ve grown up within a conservative, charismatic, evangelical tradition and trained for ordination at what was then the self-described ‘evangelical college’ in the heart of Oxford.

Since becoming a Christian in my teens, I’ve often found myself leading as a woman in contexts that didn’t quite know how to receive that leadership. That’s roughly twenty-five years of being encouraged as a follower of Jesus while simultaneously being told where my ‘place’ was, sometimes by family, sometimes by friends, sometimes by church leaders, and often by the wider culture. 

Only recently have I begun to recognise the cost that has had on my emotional, physical and spiritual health, as some of that pain has surfaced in unexpected ways. Even today, I find myself in rooms, often full of men, where people don’t realise that their words or actions are unhelpful, or even damaging, to women. Meetings can feel daunting, and we put on brave faces we shouldn’t have to wear, and have to call the shot on whether it’s worth speaking up against the behaviour or not.

Yet that ‘boys’ club’ culture still lingers in parts of the church and in some mission networks. The number of conversations I’ve had, trying to explain what it’s like to live in a culture that both consciously and unconsciously sidelines or silences women, is astonishing. If I wrote a list of the things that have been said to me, and I know I’ve not had the worst of it compared with others, I think you would weep with me. Whatever your theology on this issue, no one should have to experience that kind of treatment. So thank you to those of you who are asking questions, noticing patterns, and choosing to change. That gives me hope, and makes the appointment of a female Archbishop all the more significant.

I share this not to complain, but to encourage you to pray, for the new Archbishop, and for every woman who leads faithfully and courageously in the church today. Pray for wisdom, courage, and strength for all who carry that calling. It’s a good news for me and I hope for you too.

And amid all this national and global news, there’s some good news closer to home. By working with the brilliant team at Fuelcast, we’ve created a new short film exploring the story of the rural community in Bardney, Lincolnshire. It’s a film designed to encourage a more hopeful narrative about the rural church, to help us notice what God is already doing, and to spark conversation and action around mission in our own contexts. The film can be used as a one off showing or split up over the course of a few weeks as a small group discussion. So, if you are someone who wants to explore creative mission in your context, with others in your church or with other leaders this video will help you to do that. Find the video and a PDF of helpful discussion question on our website.

Amid the headlines, the politics, and the pain, God is still quietly at work, in healing, in calling, and in the small rural places where God’s kingdom continues to take root. 

Jo Allen

Joint CEO, Rural Ministries