Newbury church welcomes first female priest

New associate priest Deborah Davison 'delighted' to take on role

THE parish of St John the Evangelist in Newbury has appointed its first female priest in the parish’s 156-year history.

The church was one of the last in the area to allow the appointment of women and has welcomed the Rev Deborah Davison into the benefice as associate priest.

Having just finished her curacy in Wokingham, Ms Davison said she was delighted to have been offered the role at St John’s, where her responsibilities will include church services, weddings and funerals.

She said: “I’m looking forward to getting to know the local community, visiting schools and settling in.

“Newbury is a very interesting town with a long history, but it is undergoing a fair bit of change at the moment.

“It’s a very diverse place and I’m very keen to develop interfaith links.

“The town is full of lovely people and I’m most excited about working together with them to share God’s love in Newbury and the rest of the world.”

The former nurse, who was ordained four years ago, was installed at a service on September 21, overseen by the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Rev Andrew Proud, and the Archdeacon of Berkshire, the Ven Olivia Graham.

The ceremony held at the church in St John’s Road was also attended by the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, who oversaw the first women ordained into the Church of England during his time in the role.

The incumbent vicar of the Benefice of St George’s and St John’s, the Rev Paul Cowan said: “I’m delighted that Debbie accepted the role.

“I knew about her in her previous position in Wokingham.

“She is extremely personable and I’m sure will be able to bring a lot to the role. The resolution allowing only men to be ordained at St John’s was rescinded around 18 months ago.

“I would like to compliment the congregation of St John’s for their openness to change.