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Rev Kate Bottley is fascinated by the 12th century stone carvings found on churches and Cathedrals across the UK nicknamed ‘Sheela Na Gigs’. They are more than just a typical ‘gargoyle’ - these female figures with their legs parted, are thought to represent the divine feminine, fertility and were used to ward off evil spirits.

Kate turned 50 this year and she’s starting to think about what being an older Christian woman will look like for her. Kate wants to explore the journey of women who’ve come before her, from women becoming priests just over 30 years ago, to older women in the early church, to what these little known statues can tell us about how women have been viewed.

Kate visits two of the Sheelas closest to her in Nottinghamshire and meets women there to discuss female spirituality and the role of older women in Christianity. Kate visits Southwell Minster to see the Sheela there and meets Canon Theologian of Southwell Minster Alison Milbank and women in her theology group. Kate then travels to Austerfield Parish Church (in South Yorkshire) to see the Sheela there and to chat to Rev Becky Hancock about their shared experience of being female priests and their hopes for older women in the church. Producer: Miriam Williamson

Reading: Acts 9:36-42

Music:
Just as I am - Daily Service Singers (Â鶹Éç Recording)
Upon your heart (Eleanor Daley) - St Martin's Voices (Â鶹Éç Recording)
You're still God - Philippa Hanna (Â鶹Éç Recording)
Trust - Philippa Hanna (Â鶹Éç Recording)
Magnificat The St Martin's Service (Lucy Walker) - St Martin's Voices
Blessed assurance - Daily Service Singers (Â鶹Éç Recording)