Bradford Cathedral will be marking International Women’s Day – which takes place annually on 8<sup>th</sup> March – by holding a special service in the run-up to the day on Sunday 7<sup>th</sup> March, alongside a video launching afterwards looking at some of the great women of Bradford who are connected with the cathedral, including Kersten England, Bradford Council Chief Executive; Zahida Mallard, member of General Synod, Bradford Cathedral Lay Canon; and Equality and Engagement Development Manager at SWYPFT; the Revd Canon Mandy Coutts; and Sharon Link, the cathedral’s Income Development Officer.
You can also visit the Bradford Cathedral website to read the brand new ‘Remarkable Women’ booklet, which covers the heritage and achievements of some of Bradford's remarkable women; accompanied by a list of suggested activities for children and young people.
Diane Hadwen, of the Bradford Cathedral Education team says:
<span style="font-size: 1rem;">“Women have long played an important part in Christianity and in local, national and global affairs.</span>
“The stories, objects and windows found in Bradford Cathedral testify to the remarkable women who have had a positive influence on Christian belief and practice and who have worked to make the local community and wider world a better place.”
There is also other content to explore including poetry from the Poet In Residence Diane Pacitti; the work of our Photographer in Residence Kate Abbey; and the textiles in the cathedral from Polly Meynell. There are also video highlights including the women of the west window; Louisa Pesel’s altar frontal; and some of the talks from 2020’s environmentally-themed EcoExtravaganza.
The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2021 is 'Choose To Challenge'.
“A challenged world is an alert world. And from challenge comes change. So let's all #ChooseToChallenge.”
Alex Berry, Director of Music at Bradford Cathedral. says:
<span style="font-size: 1rem;">“Bradford Cathedral's International Women's Day Service will broadcast live on YouTube at 3:30pm on Sunday 7th March. The service takes the form of vespers and celebrates women of faith and women's work in music and the arts.</span>
“Included in the service is music composed by the twelfth-century abbess Hildegard of Bingen, a spiritual arranged by Undine Smith Moore (described as the ‘Dean of Black Women Composers’), and a wealth of material from contemporary writers and composers.
“Please do join us for this very special service.”
You can watch the service live via YouTube, with links available on Bradford Cathedral’s website and across their social media, and it will also be available for catch-up afterwards.
The Revd Canon Mandy Coutts, Bradford Cathedral, says:
<span style="font-size: 1rem;">“International Women’s Day is about recovering and celebrating the voices of the remarkable women who have influenced our worship and inspired this city.</span>
“Through the arts and music, educational excellence, inspired leadership of Bradford City Council and faith leaders, this city and Cathedral is a testament to their work and legacy.
“They serve as an inspiration to us all and for future generations.”
You can find out more about the service, video and resources by visiting the Bradford Cathedral website at bradfordcathedral.org/whats-on/international-womens-day/