19 Jul 2023
For decades, the Church of England has faced two main challenges: incorporating homosexuality and the ordination of women. Given the progressive nature of St Albans Cathedral in response to both of these issues, we wanted to hear about the lived experience of a new female recruit.
The Rev’d Vanessa Jefferson has just taken on the role of Minor Canon Precentor at St Albans Cathedral and is responsible for liturgy and worship.
Vanessa’s previous job was as curate at Christ Church in Waltham Cross. She loved the diversity of the area and the opportunity to engage with the locals and is now excited to be part of a similar busyness within the St Albans Cathedral community.
She said she felt “a clear sense of God’s calling to ministry” which prompted her to explore whether she should consider being ordained as a reverend.
“I had joined St John’s Boxmoor in Hemel Hempstead at the age of 17, first encountering God as a Guide leader. When finishing university, I decided to explore this further by entering the discernment process where you meet with different people to discuss it.”
After completing a two-year church internship Vanessa applied for ministry training and was finally ordained in 2020.
Her role has given her a greater insight into the challenges faced by female clergy, she explained: “Within the Church of England there are those who for theological reasons cannot accept the ordination of women or women in leadership. This remains a challenge for the church community as it journeys together across difference of opinion. I would say that in the spaces which are affirming of women there is great encouragement for female clergy.”
But is the situation getting better for women in the church? She said she thinks there have been strides in encouraging young women to go into ministry through schemes and mentoring, for example.
The Diocese of St Albans includes a female Bishop, Archdeacon and the Dean of St Albans Cathedral Jo Kelly-Moore which Vanessa says is a huge shift from just a few years ago: “Across the diocese there are an increasing number of women who are Rural Deans, taking responsibility at a local level for the clergy and parishes in their area. We also have Deans of Women’s ministry in every diocese who champion issues at a senior and national level.”
She said women rely on the support and guidance from each other within the clergy: “The support of other women is essential in ministry and I have been so fortunate to be guided by many wonderful female clergy. Before selection I was mentored, during training I had the examples of so many women who taught me as well as supervised me on placement. In curacy my training incumbent Teresa Wynne was a constant source of wisdom and guidance.”
Vanessa said she feels privileged to be working with the Dean of St Albans and other great colleagues, but is still also part of a WhatsApp group of women she trained with.
When asked about whether there is a gender pay within the church she said that clergy are paid according to the Lichfield scale, which is based on role and length of service so does not discriminate between men and women.
Vanessa said if any young women are considering training to be a minister she would encourage them and that she will happily speak to anybody over a coffee who would like to have a chat about it.
She is now settling into the city and in her first week enjoyed the Alban Pilgrimage which gave her the chance to meet people from the city and beyond.
And finally, does she perhaps have a favourite Bible verse?
“There are so many it is hard to choose. I find different passages speak to me in different seasons.
“One that remains constant is ‘Do not fear for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name – you are mine’ from Isaiah 43 which I find particularly helpful in times of uncertainty.”
