July 29, 1974 marks the first ordinations of women to the priesthood in the United States, an event referred to as the “Philadelphia Eleven” when eleven women were "irregularly" consecrated. On September 16, 1976, General Convention approved the ordination of women to the priesthood and episcopate. Women’s ordination in the Episcopal Church - as deacons, priests, and bishops - stands on the strong foundation built and continuously supported by lay women and men who understand ordination as part of the whole ministry of the church.
Through the vision of the Executive Council Committee on the Status of Women and the facilitation of Women's Ministries at the Episcopal Church Center, materials are available to help you celebrate these last thirty years. All materials posted here may be copied freely with proper credit given.
