The Revd Paulette Stubbings will be appointed Diocesan Adviser for Women’s Ministry (DAWM) in the Diocese of Canterbury on 30 January 2025. Alongside this role, Paulette continues as Team Vicar, St Alphege, Seasalter.
The key purpose of the DAWM role is the promotion of gender equality and the inclusion of ordained women at every level of ministry and life in God’s Church, as well as being an advocate for the ministry of clergy women in our diocese, enabling them to reach their full potential and flourish in ministry.
Speaking about the role, Paulette shared the following message: "I am pleased to be stepping into the role of Diocesan Adviser for Women’s Ministry, although rather aware I have some very big shoes to fill after Estella Last’s faithful tenure.
"Ordained 10 years this year, I’ve been Team Vicar at St Alphege Seasalter for the last six. I have a particular interest in helping lay and ordained people to discover the gifts God has given them and put them into practice – inside and outside the Church.
"Encouraged to respond to God’s call by my (male) vicar at the time, I have since been enabled and supported by some incredible female clergy in this diocese and I’d love to give something back. This role will definitely be a learning journey for me and I hope to draw on the range of experiences and perspectives from our women clergy, to inform and contribute to work that leads to effective change where that is required.
"Across our Diocese, including our own amazing Bishop of course, there are women faithfully working and living out their priestly calling in diverse contexts and facing diverse challenges. I see the DAWM role as helping with advocacy and pastoral support to make sure that we aren’t impeded in our God-given task simply because we are women."