International Women’s Day Reflection from Bishop Rosemarie: Honouring Women in the Church

“For we are [all] God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8 to honour the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, while also advocating for action to address ongoing gender inequalities and discrimination, as well as systemic and cultural bias and promoting the rights of women and girls worldwide. We know that even in here in the UK, with women’s legal rights enshrined in law, women still do not experience the same life outcomes as their male peers across a range of indicators—especially regarding domestic violence and abuse. Scripture reminds us that God’s desire is for justice and dignity for all: “Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:9)

The celebration of the day originated from labour movements in Europe and North America during the early 20th century. Because of its roots, church leaders and members, including women, decry observance of the day as too political and secular. And yet, Jesus’ compassionate approach to those who were marginalised was demonstrable in the way He treated women with respect, dignity, and value, going against the social constructs of His day. We only need to reread the stories of Jesus’ encounters with women suffering long-term blood loss, the centurion’s daughter, the woman caught in adultery, the Syrophoenician woman, Mary Magdalene, and Mary and Martha, among others. We also remember the women who remained at the cross when the disciples fled and the women who were first to proclaim the resurrection, entrusted with the earliest Easter message. Jesus’ approach towards, and His treatment of, women was revolutionary for its time—amplifying voices that were often sidelined and bringing to the fore stories of women’s lives that continue to inspire and empower today.

Today, we are also blessed by the ministry of contemporary women who serve the Church with faithfulness, wisdom, and pastoral courage. Women serve as bishops, teachers, and shepherds of God’s people. Among them is Dame Sarah Mullally, who, after serving as Bishop of London, has now been appointed the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the spiritual leader of more than 85 million Anglicans worldwide. Her appointment marks a historic moment in the Church’s 1,400-year history.

Where I would agree with some naysayers is that celebrating International Women’s Day is about more than just a date; it’s about the unstoppable energy of women who keep our churches going 365 days of the year. In our churches, we aren’t just celebrating “women” in the abstract or women at the forefront of national church leadership, we are celebrating the incredible, tenacious, and creative women who make our churches come alive and thrive—our wardens, safeguarding officers, welcomers, sidespeople, parish council members, junior church leaders, and all involved in pastoral care of every sort including of course our ministers, who all stand as a living testament to the gifts God continues to pour out upon His Church today.

This year, we’re continuing to witness a return to church from so many members of our community, and it will often be women who will hold open the doors and welcome them in. We thank them and we honour them on March 8th, and every day.

Today we give thanks for the women who lead us with grace — women whose footsteps echo the quiet courage of the saints before them.
We honour those who shepherd with tenderness, who lift up the weary, who speak hope into trembling hearts.
Women whose lives are lanterns in the Church guiding us toward the light of Christ.
They offer wisdom, compassion, and the strength of a faith lived deeply.
May their courage inspire us, their perseverance steady us, and their devotion remind us that God is still raising up leaders in every generation women who answer His call with a simple, beautiful yes.

Reflection from Bishop Rosemarie