Here Am I
A special exhibition of photography by the photo storyteller, Jim Grover, has been commissioned by the Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first ordinations of women to the priesthood in the Church of England. It will be held at the Oxo Gallerybetween22 May and 2 June 2019. The exhibition, which coincides with the date of the first ordinations in Southwark on 21 May 1994, tells the fascinating stories of 12 women priests in Southwark Diocese today. Their backgrounds and roles within the Diocese are diverse and they are at different ages
and stages in their priestly ministry and in a variety of parish and chaplaincy contexts such as prison
and hospital.
Jim Grover is well known for his exhibitions in the Oxo Gallery. This is his third and the previous two; Of things not seen(2016) and Windrush: Portrait of a Generation(2018) were highly acclaimed. Windrush: Portrait of a Generationattracted 13,000 visitors and received extensive media coverage. Jim documents, through words and images, stories about people and their communities which are
often untold.
Speaking of the exhibition, Jim says, ‘It has been a pleasure and a privilege to spend time with the 12 women who are the subject of this exhibition and to learn about their ministries and how they have answered God’s calling in their lives. I am grateful for Bishop Christopher’s invitation to tell their stories in this way.’
Bishop Christopher says, ‘I have very much enjoyed Jim’s previous exhibitions and the insight that they have given into people’s lives. I am so pleased that he has worked with us on this. I hope that as people visit this new exhibition they too will be able to give thanks for the work of all our priests but especially at this 25thanniversary for the contribution of our women priests. Southwark Diocese has always been a great supporter of the ordination of women as priests and Bishops, andthis exhibition gives an insight into their varied work in our communities.’
Here Am I will be open to the public every day from 22 May to 2 June 2019, 11.00am-6.00pm, at gallery@oxo, Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, London SE1 1PH. Admission is free. gallery@oxo is owned and managed by Coin Street Community Builders: www.coinstreet.org
