The Diocesan Women’s Ministry Group exists to help the diocese realise its vision for all women to be freely able to explore their sense of calling at whatever level and in whatever context, and to be able to carry out their ministry – authorised, licensed, ordained, or lay – in a healthy, safe and supportive environment.
The Women’s Ministry Group will accompany, champion, and equip women’s ministry in the diocese. This includes:
- Giving women a safe space to share their concerns and experiences of ministry.
- Using data and insights to ensure the challenges faced by women are heard by the diocese and its leadership, and advocating for change wherever necessary.
- Equipping women in ministry with talks and discussions so they can be more confident of their vocation and mission.
To find out more about why the group has been set up and how it will operate, you can read the group's Terms of Reference here.
The Women’s Ministry Group is made up of five lay and ordained women and is chaired by Sue Frost:
Alison Iliffe
I was a Reader in Kibworth during which time I was part of a 24/7 Prayer Room out of which the vision and reality of ‘The Well’ came about. Ordained in 2015 I served my Curacy in the Avon-Swift Group moving on to be a Team Vicar in the Parish of the Transfiguration (Churches of St Nicholas and St Hugh), Market Harborough. I love being a parish priest with a focus on pastoral ministry built on relationships and the Holy Chaos we often find ourselves in as we ask questions about where God is at work in our context and join in. I am hugely thankful for Leicester Anglican Cursillo and many friends and colleagues, who along with my family have supported me in the ups and downs of seeking to live a faithful life.
Being part of the Women’s Ministry Group for me is an important part of living a faithful life in the whole people of God. Together we can encourage a place where all can thrive in the ministry we are called to.
Crystal McAllister
I am an Ordained Pioneer Minister currently serving as Interim Overight Minister for Launde Minster Community. Before ordination, I was a lay pioneer on a double-decker bus with a background in youth work and children's ministry.
I am ardent about giving hope, sharing the gospel with the lost, the marginalised and the poor in ways that are relevant to them - often found in the edgelands of our communities, with a call to be light and salt, listening, seeing, sharing stories and building communities of faith.
I am also the Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands, and a trustee of a UK charity which supports street children and their families in the Philippines.
My favourite place is sitting with people where they are at, kerbside or cafe, pondering what God's call might be on their lives.
I want to help women feel confident and empowered to succeed and flourish in the ministry that God has called them to. I know how difficult it has been for me, and so to be able to be part of a group that recognises the importance of creating a space for this to happen will be transformative for the whole of God’s Church and the Kingdom. Crystal can be contacted on Crystal.McAllister@LeicesterCofE.org
Jill Matthews
I am a member of the Local Ministry Team at All Saints Church in the benefice of Sapcote and Sharnford with Wigston Parva. I am also a Pastoral Assistant and I co-ordinate the Healing and Prayer Ministry team. I have always felt drawn to walk alongside others when they are feeling overwhelmed by a situation. In my retirement from teaching, I am finding plenty to do e.g. Little Saints (Adult and Toddler group), Messy Saints as well as my role as Churchwarden. In all areas, I try to be a good listener and an encourager.
Jill can be contacted on Jill.Matthews@LeicesterCofE.org
Sue Frost
I am an ordained Priest with P.T.O. who serves as part of the ministry team at the Sheepy Benefice, where my focus is on preaching, leading services, being Chair of the PCC, and funeral ministry. I also support several other churches in the diocese when needed. I believe that part of my calling is to walk alongside others, both inside and outside of the Church, as they travel on their journey of faith. It is my passion to see others thrive and grow to be the person that God has called them to be.
As chair of the new Diocesan Women's Ministry Group, I am looking forward to working with the rest of the group and women across the diocese to help women feel heard and supported to flourish in whatever role they feel called to. Sue can be contacted on Sue.Frost@LeicesterCofE.org
Sophie Holder
I am the Diocesan Director of Racial Equity, serving on the Bishop’s Leadership Team. In this role, I am leading efforts to embed racial equity across the diocese, working closely with the Racial Equity Unit, Intercultural Ministry Team, and other departments.With a background in international development and equality, diversity, and inclusion, I bring experience from my work with ADRA-UK and De Montfort University, where I contributed towards achieving the university’s first Silver Race Equality Charter Award.In 2023, I completed a Master’s in Black British History, deepening my understanding of the challenges faced by diverse and marginalised communities in the UK.
I am passionate about creating a culture of inclusion, belonging, and compassion - as exemplified by Christ - and I am committed to making racial equity a foundational part of the Church’s mission, supported by policies, programmes, and spaces where every voice is heard and valued.