movement for the ordination of women
TRANSCRIPT
Movement for the Ordination of Women
Fabiana Barticioti, Assistant Archivist
Ordination of Women to priesthood in the CoE
1944 First women ordained in Hong Kong
1975General Synod agreed – ‘No theological barriers to ordained women’
1978 Negative vote to the introduction of a legislation at General Synod
1979 MOW founded
1984 Positive vote to the introduction of legislation
1985 – 1991 Drafting of measures and revision
1991 Positive vote in General Synod (House of Bishops, Clergy and Laity)
1993 Positive vote in Parliament (Commons and Lords)
1993 Granted Royal Assent
1994 First ordinations in England
MOW: Aims and supporters
Operations between 1979 – 1994 Brought together isolated groups Campaigned to have women allowed to priesthood in the Church of England Women and men sharing ministry in the Church of England Have inclusive liturgy 100 members in 1979, a 10,000 in 1994 Membership: Women and men, lay and ordained, Anglican or of other denominations, from the UK and abroad. Bishops, clergy and lay ministries
By Richard Smith, Chrysalis Nov 1989
• Members of Synods and Houses of Parliament – voters
• Church-goers – grass-roots support
• Wider audience - raising awareness
MOW: Target audience
By Richard Smith, unpublished
Ordination of Women: Arguments ‘For’
• Theological • Equalitarian society • Benefits for the Church • Sex Discrimination Act
From Dialogue (King’s College), Chrysalis Feb 1987
• Split in the Church
• Liberalism agenda
• Male image of God
• Traditionalism and link with Catholics
Ordination of Women: Arguments ‘Against’
MOW Archive and content
Material cover 1970s – 1994 The archive contain documentary materials, correspondence, photographs, publicity materials and some objects Themes include: gender inequality, leadership in the church, campaigning strategies and lobbying
Papers of formation of MOW Papers of AGMs, Central Council and subgroups including Literature and Media Finances and membership Papers of Campaigns Papers of events organized and promoted by MOW Mailings, press-release, newsletters and Chrysallis Correspondence Literature and correspondence with associated organisations and bodies Sample of papers from opposition Photographs and Objects
Content in detail
1 - Letters of MPs (6MOW/16/3) 2 – Minutes of Central Council (6MOW/3) 3 – Addresses of candidates to General Synod 1990 (6MOW/8/4) 4 – Papers of Campaigns (6MOW/7/2) 5 – Press releases (6MOW/7/4)
Top 5 files!
Archives of the Movement for the Ordination of Women (6MOW) available at LSE Library Reading Room Catalogue available online in the LSE Library at the Women’s Library Collections To enquiry and book an appointment to view the archives: ‘Access the Archives and Special Collections’ webpages To enquiry about MOW (however I’m returning from Maternity Leave in October 2017) [email protected] or alternatively Gillian Murphy, Curator for Equality, Rights and Citizenship at [email protected]
Thank you!