One Woman's Groundbreaking Path to Ordination in the Church of England

First In Line is the inspiring and candid memoir of Judith Rose, the first woman to become an Archdeacon in the Church of England. Spanning over five decades, Judith’s story traces her journey from a Somerset farm girl to a pioneering leader in the Anglican Church. With warmth and honesty, she recounts her early career in agriculture, her gradual awakening to faith, and her unexpected call to ministry at a time when women’s roles in the church were strictly limited.

Through personal anecdotes and historical insight, Judith offers a unique perspective on the struggles, debates, and triumphs that shaped the movement for women’s ordination. She shares the challenges of breaking through ecclesiastical ‘glass ceilings’, the joys and frustrations of parish and cathedral life, and the pivotal moments that changed the face of the Church of England forever.

Mixing national history with her own remarkable experiences, First In Line is both a vital contribution to the story of the church and a testament to perseverance, faith, and the quiet courage of those who lead the way for others. This is essential reading for anyone interested in the evolution of women’s ministry, the life of the church, or the power of answering a call against the odds.