The Bishop of Dorking, Right Rev Jo Bailey Wells
For the first time, the final day of the Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE) National, being held from 15-17 Oct 2019 at Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey, will be devoted to issues faced by women in today’s world.
In partnership with the Mothers’ Union and Project 3:28, a range of speakers and specialists will consider issues like gender stereotyping and the barriers women face in achieving their potential.
‘In a programme of special presentations and seminars, we’ll highlight the contributions of women in Church and society, especially those who have been forgotten or neglected,’ said CRE owner and managing director Steve Goddard. ‘It has been 25 years since the first woman was ordained by the Church of England – and this presents us with an ideal opportunity for reflection.’
The Bishop of Dorking, Right Rev Jo Bailey Wells, said: ‘I’m thrilled to be invited to speak. Our church is built on the leadership and service of women, even though so much of this has been unrecognised for centuries. I rejoice that this is changing and long to empower all God’s people in the ministry to which God calls each of us. Saying “Yes!” is the best thing I ever did – an adventure of faith that I’m still discovering.’ Bishop Jo will speak at 1.15pm on Ladies’ Day, Thu 17 Oct 2019.
Project 3:28’s Natalie Collins, who will speak on sexism, said: ‘Although the Gospel is liberating for both women and men, too often Christian culture limits women. More broadly, the #metoo movement has shown harm to women is depressingly widespread. How great that CRE is responding and equipping churches to empower and liberate women!’
For many within Christian culture, womanhood looks a particular way but is this biblical? And what does it mean for women and girls who don’t fit the ideal? Drawing from her new book “The Girl Deconstruction Project”, Rachel Gardner, director of Youthscape, and president of the Girls’ Brigade, will offer a new vision for women and inspire us to see that vision realised in our churches, communities and families.
Dr Sanjee Perera, a research fellow at the University of Birmingham, will examine how goodness, holiness, beauty and virtue became synonymous with whiteness, and how this has become a double burden for women with black and minority ethnicities.
Among several artists contributing to Ladies’ Day will be Saltmine Theatre Co, presenting Chosen, a play about the life of Mary Sumner, founder of the Mothers’ Union and a duologue and monologue from a passion play about Mary Magdalene. Musicians will include Marilyn Baker, Christine Asamoah and Daughters of Davis.
Visit the CRE website for more information.
