I'm a young woman training to be a priest - AMA

[humanwinginglife]

As the title says. Any questions I'd be happy to answer!

[humanwinginglife]

@mynameischloe

How can I attend church and believe in evolution at the same time?

You absolutely can! Many many many Christian's are non-creationists. IMO, we have been given the most wonderful, seeking minds and science is a gift. Like anything, it can IMO be tainted like anything else but they can very much co-exist. In fact, 90% of my colleagues believe in evolution/Big Bang - the only difference is they believe something had to have enacted that within the belief that something can't come from nothing.

[humanwinginglife]

@LaQuern

Was is your (based in Biblical teaching) response to extremes of the evangelical movement who say that womens cannot be pastors, as only men can do this.

Having done a theological degree, in the nicest possible way and purely my opinion, I think it's nonsense. I can only go from my experience and others I've known but I KNOW my calling. I have tried to run away from it at times but I just can't. Also there are plenty of biblical examples of women leaders and archeological/historical evidence of women deacons.

[FettleOfKish]

Do you do anything particularly 'unpriestly' in your private life? I don't mean anything illegal / dodgy of course, but I know a female priest who does pole exercise classes and keeps it on the down-low for fear of some of her congregation getting the wrong idea.

It must be hard to carry everyone else's ideas of Godliness on your shoulders, as well as your own.

[humanwinginglife]

@CPL593H

Did you do a theology degree before starting training?

I have done a theological degree as part of my training. I'm currently doing a masters now. Although it wasn't needed, a theological diploma for a full time post is enough and as a part time, a certificate is enough.

[humanwinginglife]

@Hibye23289

How much will you get paid? How long is the training?

The training is on average, as a full time ordinand (living or living PT in theological college, is usually 3 years. However, I have a young daughter and had a marital breakdown (took a year out) plus I did my first year part time (equals 2 whole years) so for me it'll be my 5th essentially.

In terms of pay, do you mean whilst training or when ordained?

Thanks for your question!

[CPL593H]

@humanwinginglife

I have done a theological degree as part of my training. I'm currently doing a masters now. Although it wasn't needed, a theological diploma for a full time post is enough and as a part time, a certificate is enough.

When I did mine, there wasn't the option for us to become priests and I am so, so glad things have moved on. What I learned at university convinced me beyond doubt that there is no valid reason women shouldn't be, not least the extraordinarily equal way in which Christ is recorded as having treated them. The fact that record even exists says so much.

I wish you a long, happy and successful ministry.

[heidbuttsupper]

Hi @humanwinginglife your titles quite misleading could you ask @mnhq to amend to vicar or minister

[humanwinginglife]

@EmmaH2022

Just interested generally
do you study in a residential place? Is it long hours? Are there many women training?

I have to be at a residential theological college 3 days a week.

The hours are strange. So I have 3 days timetabled at theological college which are long - sometimes 12+. I then have two days of placement in a parish in my hometown which the hours are sporadic based upon whats on - these are usually a Sunday & Monday. Then I have a study/sermon writing/planning/admin day which hour wise is dependant upon the following week. One official full day off per week (which doesn't always materialise fully!)

There are so many women training currently - far surpassing the amount of males.

[humanwinginglife]

@OnTheBrinkOfChange

Would you have ever become a nun?

It's not for me personally. Plus I wouldn't be allowed to I don't think although admittedly I don't know much about it.

[CPL593H]

@heidbuttsupper

Hi @humanwinginglife your titles quite misleading could you ask @mnhq to amend to vicar or minister

It honestly isn't misleading. It is a common and normal way to refer to a vicar/minister in Anglicanism. She is training to be a priest.

[humanwinginglife]

@Thewolvesarerunningagain

So what activities do you do in training? What have you enjoyed learning most/least?

I LOVE my placement, the parishioners are great and I generally feel like I'm doing what I should be. I also love meeting mums in school church activities as they seem to get a different experience of church and what it means which is so wonderful.

College I have enjoyed learning theology, it opens your eyes so so much - especially to prejudice and the bible sadly being used as a weapon sometimes. I loved my module on ethics! Soooo interesting.

Also making so many life long friends and the nearby pub isn't so bad either

[Beansycheese]

It is really interesting that more women than men are training at the moment. I wonder if that is a parallel with the trans movement that some young women are opting out of the grind of being a being a young woman.

[humanwinginglife]

@Thewolvesarerunningagain

So what activities do you do in training? What have you enjoyed learning most/least?

Oh and least definitely has to be the misogynistic men I've met or the overbearing women who have an agenda within the church.

[Beansycheese]

I didn't put that very well. I hope someone will articulate it better in a minute

[xxcatcatcatxx]

Do you get to see the hidden documents in the Vatican? What do you think they say? Also have you ever experienced a demon xxx

[humanwinginglife]

@FettleOfKish

Do you do anything particularly 'unpriestly' in your private life? I don't mean anything illegal / dodgy of course, but I know a female priest who does pole exercise classes and keeps it on the down-low for fear of some of her congregation getting the wrong idea.

It must be hard to carry everyone else's ideas of Godliness on your shoulders, as well as your own.

Absolutely, but I don't class it as unpriestly but can totally see why your friend feels like that as I do at times also!

I love the pub, I've done pole exercise myself and am currently looking into a heels class.

[humanwinginglife]

@heidbuttsupper

Hi @humanwinginglife your titles quite misleading could you ask @mnhq to amend to vicar or minister

Not misleading at all. That's what I am training to be

[Alexisrose16]

How do you deal with biblical teachings that you may actively disagree with?

[humanwinginglife]

CPL593H - I'm so sorry to hear this. It really has come on a long way but not far enough still. Thank you so much for your well wishes

[heidbuttsupper]

@CPL593H it's really not. Anglicanism is vicar or minister. Catholicism would be priest and not female

[Smilingwithfangs]

@PhotoDad

I'm not the OP but to save her answering this one: at least in the C of E, a vicar is one type of priest (who is in charge of a parish church or a group of parish churches). Chaplains, some senior clergy (eg archdeacons) and various people who work in cathedrals (deans, canons) -- they are all also priests, but not vicars, because they're not attached to a parish church. (Sorry if I've got that wrong!)

Thanks PhotoDad I’ve often wondered what the difference is!
can you explain the titles too? Why are some Rev and some Father even in the CofE?

[humanwinginglife]

@Beansycheese

It is really interesting that more women than men are training at the moment. I wonder if that is a parallel with the trans movement that some young women are opting out of the grind of being a being a young woman.

Very interesting theory. Although we have had non (that I know of) trans women training etc. However, we have had some LGBTQ+ ordinands.

[CPL593H]

@heidbuttsupper

@CPL593H it's really not. Anglicanism is vicar or minister. Catholicism would be priest and not female

Sorry, you're wrong. I know an awful lot of Anglican priests (male and female) who describe themselves at that. I don't think anyone is going to think an RC priest is a woman.

[humanwinginglife]

@xxcatcatcatxx

Do you get to see the hidden documents in the Vatican? What do you think they say? Also have you ever experienced a demon xxx

I have not although my goodness I'd love to!!

I went to the Vatican earlier this year and it was such a wonderful experience.

Yes, unfortunately. My specialism is actually demonology and deliverance ministry. It's very close to my heart and over the years after my own experiences, I feel called.

[CPL593H]

*as that