Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover

To coincide with Black History Month, we feature the Bishop of Dover writing about her vocation and faith.
Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin

The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin is the Bishop of Dover and the Bishop in Canterbury, with oversight for the Diocese of Canterbury on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Heritage
I am black, African Caribbean – born in Jamaica, clearly of African heritage.

Racism
Racism and prejudice are an ever-present reality in the United Kingdom today. For me, this has taken a variety of forms directly and indirectly; so, as a parish priest not allowed to take funerals because of the colour of my skin; lack of expectation that I will ‘perform’; people assuming that because I am black, I am not intelligent or good enough for senior roles. I deal with it by being the best that I can be – knowing that I cannot be mediocre – always knowing that whatever I do impacts on those yet to come.

Calling
I felt a call for ministry at approximately age 14 – it has never left me. I patiently waited for the church to accept women and was ordained priest in 1994 – the year women were first allowed to be priests. Jesus’ call to respond to those most vulnerable has been a significant part of my inspiration.

Faith
My faith is informed by scripture, tradition & reason. Black theology has played an important role in my faith journey.

Ministry
My ministry is driven by compassion for the lost, the least and the last and a desire simply to share the good news of God’s love.

Advice to younger GMH people considering ordained ministry
My advice to younger GMH is remember who called you and be faithful to that calling – to remember that there is something inside that is stronger than what is outside. Have a mantra to call on as often as you need it. I have a few that I call on! A special one that I use is: “The circumstances that surrounds a person is not important. What is important is how that person responds.” (from Booker T Washington).