Emily Graves spoke with Rachel Hickson about women in leadership

Rachel: Yes, I think that's the sad thing, that in the secular place many women's managerial and leadership skills are quickly recognised and even in the educational place; many of the educational records show that girls are high achievers in school and even university; so that's been recognised. Within the church though, we've somehow been worried and seen powerful gifted women as a threat rather than a blessing.

Emily: An issue that's been in the news over the last couple of months has been women bishops. What's your opinion about that?

Rachel: Well, Helen is ordained within the Church of England and we've had some good discussions. I think both of us feel that women bishops should happen, but not every woman who functions in the Anglican Church should be a bishop because not all of them are gifted. It shouldn't be so much about the gender, but it should be much more about the criteria; what makes a good bishop? I think some women are born leaders and some women within the Anglican Church certainly must have the gift set to be a bishop. It shouldn't be so much about their gender, it should be about their gifting; the ability to serve the church and really help people within it. If those women are there within the Anglican Church let them be bishops.

Emily: Do you think that there's anything that can be done to start to change the mindset that women shouldn't be bishops or have particular roles within the church?

Rachel: I think part of it is modelling, that's what I've tried to do in the book. I've worked alongside many great men. It's not about getting men out of the way, it's about women finding their place to serve alongside men and for men to begin to realise that it is that core value of what is a gift in leadership, which is that we serve one another and we respect one another. All through the Bible there is that common theme to come lay down your life for one another; don't think of yourself more highly than you ought to; look to serve others; look to promote and cheerlead others. I think if we had that heart and we're not so worried whether they are a man or a woman, but saw potential within a person and wanted to cheerlead that, that's part of my heart certainly for the younger generation. I'm not thinking are you a boy, or are you a girl; I'm thinking wow you're an incredible person; what could we train, release and what could our society really benefit from you running as fast as you can run.

Emily: What are some of your hopes for the future?

Rachel: My hope for the future is to see thousands of incredible young men and women working together to really touch England with the cry of Jesus and with the cry of hope. I want them to really see that there are so many people hurting and there is certainly enough work and jobs for us all; to love someone; touch someone and reach someone. I think that the girls can come alongside the boys and we can work together to really make Jesus look great.

Emily: That's great. I really did enjoy reading your book. Where can we get hold of copies of Release My Frozen Assets from?

Rachel: You can go to our website www.heartcryforchange.com.