BME Women Ministers' Network - 'Rising to new heights' - 2014-2019

 
Why was the BME Women Ministers’ Network started? 
The first woman to be recognised as pastor by the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) was Edith Gates in 1918.  It was then almost 80 years before Kate Coleman became the first black woman to be accredited by BUGB as a minister, in 1996.   The Network was launched in 2014 to help increase the number of women of colour emerging and thriving as ministers.
 
The Network was for black and minority ethnic (BME) women ministers, non-ordained women in qualifying office, ministers in training, and those exploring a call to ministry.   It aimed to pave the way for other women and girls, particularly those from BME backgrounds, to emerge and thrive as ministers and provided:

• A safe space where women can share their experiences; 
• Opportunities for peer to peer mentoring; and 
• Access to opportunities and resources for identifying, nurturing and advocating for leadership potential in women and girls of all backgrounds. 

The Network came to a natural end in 2019 - click here to read more about the Network and reflections from the facilitators

In 2017 members of the Network took part in a trip to South Africa in partnership with the Methodist Church in Britain to speak at key events on the issue of growing Women in leadership.  Click here to read about this Mission trip to South Africa