Female vicars mark first decade

Rev Jan McFarlane: 'We're very, very well-received'

Ten years ago, the Church of England decided that women would be allowed to become vicars.

Today, female members of the clergy in the East say they feel as if they have been accepted, despite some opposition from traditionalists.

Canon Mair Talbot said she still remembers the reaction at the first service she performed: "I remember the joy that I felt.

"I also remember the sudden gasp in the congregation at that moment of consecration, and I think it was hitting people that it had never happened before."

The issue divided the church, and even today remains controversial; some Christian organisations have continued to campaign against the idea of female clergy.

Women celebrate the 1992 Church decision

Today there are nearly 57 full-time women priests in the Norwich diocese and 200 throughout Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex.

The Reverend Jan McFarlane told BBC Look East that times have definitely changed.

"If someone says to me now that they're opposed to women priests, I'm quite surprised by it, which I think proves that on the whole, we're very, very well-received."

Canon Talbot said she believes that one day women will serve as bishops.