A Century of Women’s Ordination
On September 17th 1917, at the height of the First World War, Constance Todd was ordained to the congregational ministry at the then King’s Weigh House now the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile, in London. She was ordained alongside her fiancé, Claud Coltman, and they were married the following day. Congregational Churches are member denominations of the Free Churches Group (CF and URC).
Constance Coltman had studied Theology at Mansfield College Oxford.
Many events and celebrations have been held during this year to commemorate Constance's ordination.
Earlier in the summer, at Mansfield College, for a special day of events and fellowship, members of the Free Church Education Committee, including Revd Joy Langford BA, worshipped and shared with Baroness Kennedy of the Shaws: Helena Kennedy QC, FRSA and Revd Dr Janet Wootton MA (who has served on the Free Churches Council).
(Pictured here - left to right - Baroness Kennedy, Revd Langford, Revd Wootton - photo by Revd Sara Iles).
You can read more about Constance Coltman's compelling and radical ministry in service to God HERE and by listening to the Sunday Sequence and to this Radio 4 programme on Woman's Hour.