The Archbishop of York and the Dean of York together have celebrated the 20th anniversary of women making religious history at a special service at York Minster.
They were joined by many women priests ordained in or since 1994 in the Church of England.
The Vicar of Tadcaster, the Rev Canon Sue Sheriff, who was ordained in York Minster in 1994, said: "It’s been an amazing 20 years serving God and the community as a priest, and I look forward to the next twenty years!”
The Dean of York, the Very Rev Vivienne Faull, who was also ordained in May 1994, said: "I am delighted to be here and to give thanks for the journey so far." The Archbishop's wife Margaret Sentamu, who was also present at the service, said: "Although I am not ordained myself, I have been blessed by many female priests over the last 20 years, and have been privileged to serve God alongside them."
Her husband, Dr John Sentamu, gave a special blessing at the end of the celebrations.
The church's General Synod may vote on allowing women to become bishops at its July meeting in York.
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