WOMEN writers, musicians and composers came together for a ceremony to celebrate International Women's Day.

On Friday (March 8), a special service at St Thomas's Church shed light on and commended the women within Anglican worship.

Planned by Multitude of Voyces, the event boasted an all-women ensemble, including Gemma McGregor who was commissioned to write Love Was His Meaning for the ceremony, performed by Godolphin School Vocal Ensemble under director, Olivia Sparkhall.

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The service was one way for churches to work together to address the under-representation of women in the Church of England community, inviting women from churches across the city to take part in an evening presenting their gifts and words, as well as welcoming guest preacher and Bishop of Sherbourne, The Right Reverend Karen Gorham.

Louise Stewart of Multitude of Voyces said the service was a "great success", adding: "There was a deep sense of togetherness as we not only celebrated the gifts of women and girls within the church, but also thought about those women and girls around the world who are denied education and equal opportunities: our service was for them, also."