Study released on representation of women priests in large parishes in the Church of England

The Ministry Division in the Church of England has released a study, Vocational pathways: Clergy leading large churches, about why women are under represented in major parishes in England. In 2015, only four women presided over parishes with an average attendance of 350 or more, out of 117. The study used statistical evidence as well as interviews to collect data. It concluded that family responsibilities were the primary obstacle for women priests, while having children did not seem to negatively effect men’s careers. However, the study also cited “enormous institutional barriers to ministry specifically because of their gender.” Church Times has an in depth summary and analysis of the study that is well worth the read, as the same problems plague the Episcopal Church.