Strengthening women’s leadership, sharing ministerial experiences, and building an international network of mutual support were the main objectives of Shepherding Together: A Gathering of Women Bishops for Transformative Leadership. The initiative, hosted at Virginia Theological Seminary (5-8 October), brought together women bishops from across the Anglican Communion who serve in provinces where women remain underrepresented in the episcopate.

Conceived by the Most Revd Marinez Bassotto, Primate of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil (IEAB), the gathering brought together Bishop Sally Sue Hernández, Primate of Mexico; Bishop Magda Guedes Pereira of the Anglican Diocese of Paraná, Brazil; Bishop Meriglei Simim of the Diocese of Pelotas, Brazil; Bishops Emily Onyango and Rose Okeno of Kenya; Bishop Dalcy Dlamini of Eswatini; and Bishop Susan Wallace of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.

The programme was hosted by the team at the Center for Anglican Communion Studies at Virginia Theological Seminary, in the United States, under the coordination of the Revd Dr Katherine Grieb.

The Revd Helen von Koevering, Chair of the Anglican Communion’s International Anglican Women’s Network, assisted with the event.

Prayer, Listening and Sharing in Ministry

Over four days, participants engaged in prayer, Bible study, conversation, formation, and the sharing of personal and ministerial experiences.

On the first day, the bishops visited the Bishop of Washington, Mariann Budde, for a time of conversation and mutual support. Bishop Mariann expressed how inspired she was by the ministry of the other bishops, who are committed to Christian leadership in challenging contexts.

The second day focused on the theme of shepherding, with a study of Psalms 80 and 23 led by the Revd Dr Katherine Grieb. This session provided an opportunity for deeper listening as participants shared their personal and ministerial journeys, the realities of their dioceses, their joys, and their challenges. These conversations helped them recognise common experiences and strengthen bonds among leaders from diverse cultural and ecclesial contexts.

On the third day, the reflection focused on the theme 'Together', drawing on the Book of Ruth and Philippians chapters 2 and 4. Participants also took part in an introductory workshop on applying family systems theory to the Church, led by the Revd Dr Allison St. Louis. The session explored relational dynamics and the roles people play within family systems and society, encouraging reflection on relationships and the challenges of community life.

The fourth day focused on women’s leadership, with studies of Judges chapters 4 and 5. The bishops revisited the objectives of the gathering and discussed their needs for mutual support, reaffirming the importance of creating spaces of trust, care, and cooperation in the exercise of episcopal ministry.

Participants share conversation and fellowship during Shepherding Together, a gathering focused on women’s leadership and mutual support in episcopal ministry.

Forming New Generations of Women Leaders

One of the significant moments of the programme was a meeting with students at Virginia Theological Seminary. During a question-and-answer session, the students had the opportunity to hear the bishops’ advice on ministry and share prayer requests related to their vocational journeys.

The conversation highlighted a common concern among participants: contributing to the formation of new generations of women leaders in the Church, whether laypeople, ordained ministers, or future bishops. Sharing experience, providing vocational accompaniment, and building relationships across generations were recognised as important ways to expand opportunities for women’s participation and leadership throughout the Anglican Communion.

Participants’ reflections also emphasised the value of setting aside time to care for those who carry pastoral and episcopal responsibilities.

'Being together was very special and encouraging,' one participant remarked. Another observed that 'there are so many demands in episcopal ministry that take up your days, and it was wonderful to have time dedicated to reflection, self-examination, and sharing our lives.'

Participants gather together at Virginia Theological Seminary during four days of prayer, Bible study and sharing experiences of ministry across the Anglican Communion.

An International Network of Mutual Support

As a follow-up to the gathering, a committee was established, comprising one bishop from each of the regions represented, to consider how the initiative could continue and identify the network’s next steps.

The aim is to maintain the relationships built over the four days and develop forms of cooperation that will enable the bishops to share experiences, support one another, and strengthen their leadership in their respective provinces and dioceses.

More than a space for formation, Shepherding Together provided an opportunity to recognise shared challenges, celebrate the diversity of ministerial experiences, and reaffirm a commitment to a Church that invests in the care of its leaders and the formation of new generations.

The initiative also demonstrates the importance of the Anglican Communion as a space for encounter, learning, and collaboration among women who exercise episcopal ministry in different parts of the world and contribute to the mission of the Church.

For more information

Find out more about the Center for Anglican Communion Studies at Virginia Theological Seminary.

Explore the work of the International Anglican Women’s Network, which connects Anglican women worldwide.