2024 marked the 30th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Church of England. While this milestone was rightly celebrated, far fewer people know that it also marked the 80th anniversary of the ordination of the first woman priest in the Anglican Communion: Florence Li Tim-Oi 李添嬡 (1907–1992). Her courage and ministry opened the door for all those who now follow in her footsteps.

This petition calls on the Church of England to honour Florence Li Tim-Oi by commemorating her in the Liturgical Calendar with a Feast Day.

Why this petition matters

Although women have now been ordained in the Church of England for more than three decades, many still face unfair treatment, gender-bias and discrimination. Positive role models matter. Throughout her life, Li Tim-Oi endured immense challenges and hardships. After the Second World War she was required to surrender her priest’s licence—though she never renounced her Holy Orders—and she survived the Cultural Revolution by clinging to her faith. Her story of perseverance, courage and vocation must be preserved for future generations.

As the U.K. becomes increasingly multi-cultural, it is vital that the Church’s liturgy reflects modern Britain. Since 2021, the U.K. Government’s British National (Overseas) visa scheme has enabled large numbers of Hong Kong residents to settle here—one of the largest organised migrations to the U.K. from outside Europe since Windrush. Li Tim-Oi herself was from Hong Kong.

The Church of England’s vision for the 2020s includes the priority: to be a younger and more diverse Church. With East and Southeast Asian communities among the fastest-growing demographics in the U.K., it is crucial that the Church recognises Li Tim-Oi’s contribution to the life of the Anglican Communion. Too often, the efforts of people of East Asian heritage are overlooked; their contributions welcomed, but their stories untold. This is a matter of racial justice as well as historical accuracy.

Support for this petition

Li Tim-Oi is already commemorated elsewhere in the Anglican Communion. In 2003, the Episcopal Church assigned 24 January as her Feast Day in Lesser Feasts and Fasts, the eve of her ordination anniversary. The Anglican Church of Canada also honours her, keeping her Feast Day on 26 February, the anniversary of her death.

To mark the Golden Jubilee of her priesting in 1994, the Li Tim-Oi Foundation was established to celebrate her life and ministry. The Foundation provides educational grants for women across the Anglican Communion. Its patrons include the former Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Dr Rowan Williams, and the first woman to be consecrated bishop in the Church of England, the Rt Revd Libby Lane.

On the Diamond Jubilee of her ordination, an icon of Li Tim-Oi was dedicated at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, home to the U.K.’s longest-running Cantonese congregation, established by Bishop Ronald Hall—who ordained her—in 1964.

Now is the time for the Church of England to recognise Florence Li Tim-Oi’s exceptional contribution and lasting legacy. Please support this appeal for her commemoration with a Feast Day by signing and sharing this petition.

Thank you,

Mark & Kayi Nam

More detailed information about Florence Li Tim-Oi’s life and legacy:

• Li Tim-Oi’s Story (inc. video and downloadable booket) – Li Tim-Oi Foundation
• Florence Li Tim Oi: A Saint for out times – by Rev Dr. Jesse Zink
• Florence Li Tim-Oi – on Wikipedia

Footnotes:
 
[1] https://www.ltof.org.uk/litimoi-story/
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/14/600-uk-churches-sign-up-to-welcome-christian-arrivals-from-hong-kong
[3] https://www.churchofengland.org/about/vision-and-strategy
[4] https://www.carguk.com/post/carg-rejects-the-commission-on-race-and-ethnic-disparities-report
[5] https://www.episcopalchurch.org/lectionary/florence-li-tim-oi/
[6] https://www.anglican.ca/faith/worship/resources/li-tim-oi/