Faith

Rev Mary Judson

BBC Tees speaks to Reverend Mary Judson from Hartlepool, who believes that to survive the church has to be flexible to fit in with modern society.

Why is there a need for new ways of worship?

"I had been considering different forms of worship when a lady who had been to church a few times said that she was having trouble making the nine thirty service because she had three children to get ready and her husband went to golf, and was there any other suitable services for her. 

"I had to admit there wasn't, and from then on I thought there really has to be another way. 

"After a lot of discussion within St. Lukes and with people who have led different services, including Rev John Lund at Hart, 1st@4 was born and I'm pleased to say it is taking off and is now very successful."

Mary was an English and drama teacher before turning to the church at 36. As a school girl she rejected Christianity and refused to marry her husband Paul in a church, it was only when her children started to go to church that she was converted, saying:

"It was just a matter of knowing"

So, with going to church later in life has this influenced how you feel about offering different opportunities for people to appreciate God?

"I'm sure that is true.

Mary is still the only female vicar in Hartlepool responsible for her own church. 

Her husband Paul, who was a graphic designer, is her curate and he is also the director of communications for the Diocese of Durham. 

Although the couple have been in Hartlepool for a couple of years female vicars are still relatively unusual and people are often unsure her to approach Mary:

"I was in a supermarket today and a man said to me 'How do I address you I never know how to speak to an um um lady one!' I said vicar is fine. 

"I don't see gender being a big issue I don't see myself as a women in ministry, I see myself as somebody who is ministering who happens to be a women."

Click the link on the right hand side to hear the full interview with Rev. Mary Judson, where she explains in detail about the reason for 1st@4 and about her time in Hartlepool.