Transcript:
Greetings, beloved in Christ. I hope that you are enjoying the blessings of this day. It is March, and March has been designated Women’s History Month. And I hope that you will take the time during this month to learn more about the amazing gifts and contributions of women to our world, to our nation, and to our church.
I’m especially excited because this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Philadelphia 11. Those brave 11 women, and those brave men bishops, who decided that the Holy Spirit did indeed call women to the Sacred Order of Priests. There is a documentary called The Philadelphia Eleven that is circulating, and I hope that if it comes near to you, that you will take the opportunity to view it. I know I will. The stories of these women is powerful.
This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the first woman ordained priest in the Anglican communion. Florence Li Tim-Oi was ordained in 1944 to the Sacred Order of Priests, and for a long time she was the only one. Like our beloved Barbara Harris, who was the first woman ordained bishop in the Anglican Communion.
Being the only one can be very lonely. I am grateful that I get to share this ministry with amazing people, especially amazing women, who help hone my gifts and call me to deeper communion with God, and with the people I serve, and with the world. I wish you all blessings.
