On this page
Women’s Ministry Advisers
The Women’s Ministry Advisers team exists to:
- The promote of gender equality and the inclusion of ordained women at every level of ministry and life in God’s Church.
- To serve as advisers to the bishops and their leadership teams, raising their awareness of concerns and issues that ordained women may be facing.
- To be an advocate for the ministry of clergy women in the diocese, enabling them to reach their full potential and flourish in ministry.
The Women’s Ministry Adviser for the diocese is Rev’d Elise Peterson, with Area Advisers for each episcopal area. The team is also assisted by ordained women who can offer support based on their areas of personal experience and expertise, including (but not limited to) motherhood and ministry, menopause, mental health, and ongoing academic education.
If you need support and encouragement, please reach out to the Women’s Ministry Advisers. The team is made up of women in ordained ministry, but if you are in lay ministry and need support, please get in touch, and we’ll work with you to find the appropriate resources.
Women's Ministry Adviser
The Reverend Elise Peterson
Phone 07888 441659 or send an email
I was privileged to be appointed Women’s Ministry Adviser by The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Dr Guli Francis-Dehqan, in September 2024. I have been the vicar of the Parish of Rainham with Wennington since 2020 and was ordained deacon in the Diocese of Chelmsford in 2017 and priest in 2018. Throughout my lay and ordained ministry, it has always been a passion of mine to be able to come alongside women and help them navigate the challenges of life and ministry and grow in their relationship with God.
Barking Area Women’s Adviser
The Reverend Eileen Rose
Phone 07930 269 877 or send an email
I am currently serving as Priest-In-Charge at St Barnabas Church, Little Ilford/Manor Park in the Newham deanery.
As the Woman’s Ministry Adviser for the Barking area, I am pleased to offer whatever support can be possible to women in ministry, regardless of whether they are new or longstanding. There are times when it becomes imperative for us to reach out to someone who can understand what it means to be striving by God’s grace to live out our calling.
My background as a psychotherapist in the field of mental health, youth services, education and working in a variety of establishments for over thirty years, has enabled me good insight into understanding all kinds of concerns which impact how we live our lives. My role as Woman's Ministry Adviser is to ensure that those who request support can get help to find their way forward in fulfilling God's mission, for them.
Bradwell Area Women's Adviser
The Reverend Sally Croft
Phone 07850 361101 or send an email
I am the Rector of All Saints Springfield and have lived in this diocese for most of my life, serving as a Pastoral assistant before ordination. In my previous occupation as a hairdresser and beauty therapist I have been a listening ear to many women's concerns, sign posting when necessary but mostly giving a safe space to share their thoughts and valuing their particular needs. I am looking forward to be an advocate for women in the Bradwell area and working alongside my fellow women’s ministry advisors in the Diocese.
The Reverend Timnat Emmanuel
Phone 07751 008770 or send an email
I currently serve as a Prison Ministry Chaplain. Before ordination, I undertook formal counselling training at Anglia Ruskin University with the goal of offering professional therapeutic support. This foundation has enriched my capacity to serve in diverse contexts, enabling me to minister not only with empathy but with informed, holistic care.
In my role as Women's Ministry Adviser, I want to offer a safe and compassionate space for women to offload, reflect, and find support.
Colchester Area Women's Adviser
Currently in Vacancy
Events
The team works together to offer a variety of events, both in person and online, throughout the year to support you in your ministry. Please check your email and The View – the diocesan weekly email send church officers - for information on upcoming events, or email for the most up to date information - Womensadviser@chelmsford.anglican.org.
Upcoming events
Online Book Club: What Grows in Weary Lands: On Christian Resilience
Tuesday 15 September at 7:30pm on Zoom
Christian leaders often encounter seasons of burnout and discouragement. In What Grows in Weary Lands, Tish Harrison Warren, American Anglican priest and writer, asks, ‘How do we cultivate faith that endures?’ She explores how can we navigate burnout, spiritual aridity and weariness, turning to the Desert Mothers and Fathers for guidance.
This session is open to all women in lay and ordained ministry
In Person: (Re)Discovering Joy in Our Ministry
Saturday 14 November 2026
9:30am-4:00pm at All Saints’ Springfield
Whatever phase of ministry you’re in, whether at the beginning of curacy, at the start of a new incumbency post, or serving many years as a self-supporting minister (and everything in between!) there are often challenges and we can feel weary and discouraged. In this day, Su Blanch of 3D Coaching will lead us through thinking how we acknowledge those challenges, explore what is bringing us joy in ministry.
Through a mix of input, small group discussions, and individual reflection, the goal is to give you the space to reflect and plan – and come away renewed and with a fresh eyes for the joys of your ministry.
It might feel hard to take a day away, but let’s encourage one another to prioritise ourselves and take this day to rediscover the joy of our calling as a ministers in God’s church.
Open to women in ordained ministry. Refreshments and lunch provided.
Location: All Saints’ Springfield 50 Springfield Grn CM1 7HS
Register for the event by clicking on the link below
Past events
Mini Quiet Day and Afternoon Tea
In June 2026, the Women’s Ministry Team organised a day of refreshment, reflection and fellowship at Bishopscourt. The day began with a self-led Quiet Day in the Bishopscourt garden, where attendees enjoyed time for personal reflection. Later in the afternoon everyone came together for afternoon tea, providing a welcoming opportunity to catch up, share fellowship and enjoy time together.
-
Reflection and Coaching Day – Setting Heathy Boundaries took place on Saturday 11 October
-
Reflection and Coaching Day – Setting Heathy Boundaries took place on Saturday 11 October
Reflection and Coaching Day – Setting Heathy Boundaries
In October, we held a Reflection and Coaching Day. The day focused on setting healthy boundaries. Su Blanch of 3D Coaching helped participants to think about how they can identify and establish the boundaries that enable them to thrive in ministry. There was also discussion about Jesus’ examples of setting boundaries.
Diocesan Policies
The team also works with the HR and well-being teams on developing policies to support women in ministry.
Tips and Resources for churches
For churches blessed by having female ministers or looking to support, train and encourage women in ministry, here are a few basics:
- Please be respectful and do not gender stereotype
- Please learn to listen and be willing to offer the space for our truth
- Treat all clergy the same, no matter what their gender
- Use gender-neutral language e.g. vicar, rather than woman/lady vicar
- If a member of your clergy takes parental leave, embrace the opportunity to explore how your church operates as a supportive community where all are able to flourish and perhaps try to see how your deanery can respond collegially
- Women and men are different. We can celebrate the giftings of our diversity, not all women are the same, just as not all men are!
PCCs, church staff, and those in leadership are also encouraged to undertake some unconscious bias training. There is space for us all to be more aware of how we are treating others and to ensure equity and justice is promoted through our actions.