Today marks a very special day for Canon
Ruth Wintle from Martley & Worcester West
Deanery – it is the fiftieth anniversary of the
start of her full-time ministry. She has had
a very varied half century, progressing from
parish worker, through theological college
lecturer and Deacon, to Priest, as well as
many other roles along the way, including
nine years as a Selection Secretary with the
Advisory Council for the Church’s Ministry,
during a time of considerable change in
women’s ministry in the 1970s.

Throughout her time in ministry, Ruth has
seen attitudes and rules change. When she
arrived in Worcester in 1983 women could
not even be deacons. She was the first
ordained woman to be installed as a Canon in the Church of England, having already
served as Diocesan Director of Ordinands for several years. Ruth has known “fifty years
of change, opportunity, delight and blessing. What an amazing privilege!” 

Ruth has always enjoyed leading worship and preaching, and has had amazing support
from colleagues who gave her full scope to exercise her ministry even at a time when
women were expected to work only with women and children. But most of all, it is
“seeing God opening doors and giving grace to fulfil all that he has asked that ultimately
means the most”. 

Please pray for Ruth as she reaches this anniversary and for all women in ministry. 

Pershore Deanery – Rural Dean: Susan Renshaw; Lay Chair: Sue Perry 

Diocese of Sodor & Man: The Ven Peter Eagles 

Diocese of Tuam, Killala & Achonry (Ireland): Bishop Patrick Rooke 

Diocese of Bath & Wells: Bishop Peter Hancock with Bishop Ruth Worsley (Taunton)