The 50th Anniversary Celebration of Women's Ordination to the Priesthood

2024 marks the 50-year anniversary since women were first ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. Between now and July 29th, 2024, we will offer a number of ways to celebrate that historic movement of the Spirit, both here in Minnesota and across the church, to remember with gratitude the faithful and courageous efforts of the women, men, and others who led the way, to acknowledge the pain of that moment in our history, and to reflect on the lessons from that era that can take us forward into the next fifty—and 1,500—years in the life of the church. Mark your calendar for the two events below, and keep an eye on this space as we share stories about the fight for women's ordination in the next few months.

If you have a story to share about the ordination of the Philadelphia 11, your experience as one of the earliest Episcopal priests, the introduction of women priests into our diocese, or how you have been received as a women priest at various churches and on church governing bodies, please email news@episcopalmn.org. Emilia Seay Allen will work with you to find the best way to share your story.

Download a bulletin insert in color here and in black and white here.

Minnesota Women's Ordination Celebration
Friday, July 26, 2024 | St. Mark's Cathedral

All Minnesota Episcopalians are invited to join in a day of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Episcopal Church. Led by a cohort of women clergy from around the diocese, this joyful day will include story-sharing, a screening of The Philadelphia Eleven and panel discussion, dinner on the lawn of St. Mark's Cathedral, and a Eucharist. History displays and videos will be available for viewing during the festivities. If you were one of the first women ordained in Minnesota, were at the ordination of the Philadelphia Eleven, were at the General Convention in Minneapolis that voted to ordain women, have some fun stories to share about being an ordained woman, or have a story about how women clergy influenced your faith and life, please contact Director of Communications Emilia Seay Allen at emilia.a@episcopalmn.org.

3:00pm: Screening of The Philadelphia Eleven: Courage and Change

4:30pm: Panel Discussion

5:00pm: Picnic on the St. Mark's Lawn

7:30pm: Women’s Ordination Anniversary Eucharist