Following Vocations Sunday, we reflect on women's ministry with Revd Hannah Moore, the Diocesan Advisor for Women's Ministry. Revd Hannah Moore said, “There are still places in the world where women’s roles aren’t valued,” she reflects. “But we don’t have to be limited by our gender. Men and women bring different qualities to leadership, and women often bring a collaborative, compassionate approach that is deeply needed in ministry.”
Hannah acknowledges that women are frequently balancing multiple responsibilities: caring roles, family life, emotional labour, and the unseen coordination of daily living. “Women can multitask in a way that means even when we’re in leadership, we’re still carrying all the other expectations,” she says. “And where ambition is celebrated in men, it can be seen negatively in women.” Yet she remains convinced that these challenges make women’s ministry richer, not weaker.
Formed by Strong Role Models
Asked about the women who inspired her, Hannah immediately names Revd Jeannie—one of the first women ordained in South Africa and the priest who married Hannah and her husband. “When I saw her presiding at Holy Communion, I heard a voice saying, ‘You will do this one day.’ Seeing her made it seem possible.”
She also credits her parents, especially her father. “My dad is a massive feminist,” she laughed. “He never said we couldn’t do anything.” Growing up, she was his “right‑hand person”, helping with roofing, painting, car repairs and learning how to use tools—skills she still uses today. “He saw no ceiling for us. That shaped everything.”
Challenges in Ministry
Despite progress, Hannah has faced some resistance as a woman in ministry. She recalls an interview where a churchwarden simply refused to acknowledge her and mainly spoke to her husband. “They didn’t want a female priest. It was so clear.” She’s also seen male colleagues ordained by female bishops whose legitimacy some parishioners refused to recognise. And she remembers a funeral in her parish where the deceased parishioner had specified in his will that a woman must not preside. “The funeral directors were amazing—they arranged four female pallbearers as a show of support to me.” But still, moments like that show the attitudes that remain.”
Hannah emphasises the emotional toll. “Some women face these awkward conversations every single day. You have to choose your battles. After 30 years of women’s ordination, it’s disappointing we are still dealing with this.”
Championing Women Across the Diocese
As one of the Diocesan Advisors for Women’s Ministry, Hannah walks alongside women in all stages of ministry. She works with colleague Revd Alex Stevens, the Anglican vicar at Ruxley Church, Ewell, to develop initiatives such as Leaders Who Lunch, encouraging women into leadership and ensuring diocesan policies—on menopause, maternity leave and flexible working—reflect women’s experiences.
Part of their role is also to review parish profiles for gender‑inclusive language, advise on appointments, welcome new female clergy, and advocate for a culture of mutual flourishing. “We want men and women to flourish together,” she says. “And we’re planning a Menopause Day to explore how it affects ministry, especially as more women are ordained later in life.”
Encouraging Women Exploring a Call
Her message to women discerning a vocation is simple: “It’s wonderful. Ministry allows you to be the person God has called you to be and to live out your full potential.”
She describes the privilege of sitting with the dying, supporting schools, leading worship, managing church building projects, and above all “being licensed to tell people how much God loves them.”
“You never know who will knock on your door. But every day is an opportunity.”