On 17 September 2017, the United Reformed Church and the Congregational Federation in the UK will mark the centenary of the ordination of Constance Coltman as a Congregational minister. She was the first woman to be ordained in a mainstream British denomination – and she continued her pioneering role by remaining active in ministry as a married woman and mother.

Her courage showed from the start in the sacrificial ministry she shared with her husband in London Docklands. A committed pacifist and suffragist, she was also an early supporter of birth control. With clear views on women’s history and role in the Church, Constance Coltman did much to promote women’s ordination across the churches, at home and abroad.

There will be two public events to mark this important centenary to which all are warmly invited:

On Saturday 16 September at 1pm there will be a public lecture at the Dr Williams Library in London. Please contact Eve Parker to register your interest. More details will be made available in due course.

A thanksgiving service to mark the Centenary will be held on Sunday 17 September 2017 at 3pm at the American International Church in London. The preacher will be Revd Dr Susan Durber and taking part will be international guests from the wider family of the Council for World Mission. Please contact Tracey Hardingham to register your interest.