@helenking.bsky.social
Sort of retired (not), Professor Emerita, The Open University. Classics, history of medicine/the body/gynaecology. Writer, blogger, C of E lay preacher, chair of Together on General Synod (formerly Gender & Sexuality Group). She/her. Likes flowers.
Happy 12 March, the anniversary of women’s ordination to the priesthood, and remembering Bishop Barry who ordained the first cohort at Bristol Cathedral (and was also a complete gent when I had trouble with a stalker while at General Synod) #CofEpeeps
There’s an important new book on Soul Survivor and being the ‘revival generation’ coming out next month, #CofEpeeps. Let’s hear from the author… viamedia.news/2026/03/12/w...
The word ‘snow’ has been mentioned for this weekend here too, but I am hoping that’s not for real
It has rapidly moved from daffodil season to hyacinth season here in Oxfordshire! #bloomscrolling
I’m told the same thing happens if the reader ends “Is THIS the Word of the Lord???”
Please watch this short film by Together, an organisation working for the full inclusion and celebration of LGBTQIA people, disabled people, GMH people, and so on, in the Church of England. I burst into tears halfway through …
youtu.be/xcSHRh6l2EE?...
Some days, only stained glass will do. Rousham church porch
Aha I see that the first hashtag is already in use
I’m also wondering about #frogspawn or possibly #frogsporn as our frogs are really going for it!
Ah, the Book of Homilies. Maybe we should read that more often? viamedia.news/2026/03/02/s...
#bloomscrolling and blossom is happening too! Ornamental cherry I think
Also very splendid things!
Daffodil season is off to a fine start in Oxfordshire! #bloomscrolling
Just your regularly scheduled share of this masterpiece by @tomgauld.bsky.social
From the Bishop of Jerusalem
Nkosi Sihawukele
‘Motherhood is not a deviation from priesthood.
Shared parenting is not radical.
Women’s bodies are not a pastoral inconvenience.
Gender is not a spiritual failing’
@inclusivechurch.bsky.social
#cofepeeps women and ministry - and how it used to be even worse… viamedia.news/2026/02/21/t...
We are recruiting! Could it be just right for you? Do you know someone you could point in our direction? Please share!
Stained glass from the old church at Bix, incorporated into the ‘new’ church: and before that, ‘These glass panels date back to 1530, when they were two of the 384 panels of the great Cloister at the Charterhouse at Louvain, now Leuven, north east of Brussels’
So the week after Synod, Reform UK hires Church House and uses it to launch their campaign to repeal the Equality Act. You couldn’t make this up, CofE peeps.
That is a superb choice by the SEC
I’m as surprised as the next woman at how much I enjoyed Synod’s ‘church flowers’ debate #CofE shared-conversations.com/2026/02/15/c...
What actually happened in the Living in Love and Faith debate yesterday (apart from another 5 hours of the same old): #CofE viamedia.news/2026/02/13/l...
If you missed the offer during January, Church House Bookshop have made Breaking, not Broken their book of the week this week, so you can grab it for £24!
chbookshop.hymnsam.co.uk/features/boo...
I read these papers so you don’t have to… some of my favourite (and worrying) moments ahead of #CofE Question time shared-conversations.com/2026/02/07/f...
General Synod starts on Monday. @ruthh.bsky.social writes on what apologies from the church don’t, but should, mean viamedia.news/2026/02/07/s...
On the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, Tuesday 24 February, a prayer station will be available in the Cathedral and all services will focus on praying for peace. We look forward to welcoming members of the Ukrainian community to Evensong as we stand alongside them and pray together.
Your periodic reminder that you can start learning ancient Greek right now, free of charge!
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... Encouraging results in this use of menstrual blood for diagnosis