Project Violet findings released 

Project Violet is a major study into women’s experience of ministry, which has sought to understand more fully the theological, missional, and structural obstacles women ministers face in the Baptist community in England and Wales.

The findings of the three year research project were released on 2 May.

The findings include a series of requests for change addressed to Baptists Together national structures, Regional Associations, Colleges and local churches.

They are grouped around three hopes:

• That women will flourish in ministry from the point at which they first recognise a call all the way through to retirement.
• That women will find themselves supported and valued in whatever type of ministry they find themselves.
• That the Baptist community will change some of its ways of working to ensure more just outcomes for women ministers.

General Secretary Lynn Green said, ‘This is a wide-reaching agenda for change and we will want to take some time to digest the findings and discern the way forward.  

'I encourage all parts of Baptist life to join in the process of responding to the findings and committing to action.’

All parts of Baptist life have been invited to plan opportunities to discuss and respond to the findings between May and September 2024. 

Commitments to action will be received formally by Baptist Union Council on 23 October 2024.  
 
The requests for change are based upon 16 pieces of research undertaken by Baptist women ministers and a process of theological reflection. The researchers have been supported in asking questions and seeking answers, and have been accompanied through the project so that their own voice as an advocate for change has developed. 

The project leads, co-researchers, and theological accompaniers met at Launde Abbey in April for a 24-hour conference to discuss the findings and discern the requests for change.





Project co-leader Jane Day said, ‘I am grateful for the way in which women ministers have engaged with Project Violet and the clearer understanding of women’s experience of ministry that has emerged. 

'I look forward to engaging with the Baptist community over the next five months as they consider their commitments to action.’

All the research and interviews with most of the women are available on the project website. These interviews form season 2 of the Project Violet podcasts, and help listeners understand more fully the hearts and experiences of the Baptist women ministers involved in the project and its requests for change.

A Zoom webinar took place on 2 May to introduce the findings, and is available on the Project Violet website.

Project Violet has been undertaken by the Centre for Baptist Studies at Regent’s Park College, Oxford and funded by the Mission Forum of Baptists Together and Baptist Trustees.