In a ‘landmark move', Reverend Anne Stevens becomes the first female vicar of the ancient parish of St Pancras
Thursday, 23rd August 2012
Church warden Dorothea Hackman, Canon Pastor Michael Colclough, the Lord Bishop of London Richard Chartres, Reverend Anne Stevens, Dean David Ison and church warden Tim Robertson
Published: 23 August, 2012
by ALICE HUTTON
IN a “landmark move” breaking with hundreds of years of tradition the first female vicar has been appointed in the ancient parish of St Pancras.
Eighteen years after it became possible for women to lead congregations in England, services at St Pancras New Church are being taken by The Reverend Anne Stevens.
The 51-year-old, who was formerly at St Michael’s in Battersea, landed the prestigious position after church wardens found her to be “head and shoulders” above the other candidates.
Revd Stevens, who took over from Revd Paul Hawkins who retired after 12 years, told the New Journal that the Euston Road church had a reputation for being inclusive and liberal and that she was “excited to be part of such a progressive community”.
She added: “This is a church that is very open to change.
“They are so happy to have a woman priest and gay members of the church, too.
“So I feel that I’m part of the wider agenda that the parish already has.
“I am excited to be part of such a progressive community.”
Until her move to St Pancras, Revd Stevens was Southwark’s representative on the General Synod, the Church of England’s parliament which in November will hold another vote on whether to allow female bishops.
The decision to appoint Revd Stevens is significant in more ways than one because London is one of only two dioceses in the country currently opposed to the potential introduction of female bishops.
Dorothea Hackman, a church warden at St Pancras which was founded in 1822, said: “We had 33 applications for the post but it was clear Anne was head and shoulders above the rest.
“When the lovely Revd Paul Hawkins left we saw this as our chance to possibly have a woman, so the fact that she was the best candidate is the icing on the cake. It shows change is coming.”
Revd Stevens, who lives in Crystal Palace, said: “It has been a little strange coming here, just because in Southwark having women vicars is seen as so normal.
“I have only had one man come up to me and say, ‘Oh I haven’t seen anyone like you here before’.
“I joked with him, ‘I’ve been doing this for nearly 20 years, where have you been?’”
