Martine Oborne has become one of the most recognisable and courageous voices in the contemporary Church of England. As a parish priest, campaigner, and current chair of WATCH (Women and the Church), she stands at the forefront of the movement for equality and safeguarding reform. Her story is not simply one of religious leadership; it is a testament to resilience, moral courage, and the determination to dismantle long-standing barriers that continue to restrict women within the institution of the Church.
Early Life and Career Before Ordination
Unlike many who enter ministry straight from academic theology, Martine Oborne first built a career outside of the Church. She began her professional journey in investment banking, working in the high-pressure world of finance. That career not only gave her insight into leadership and organisational structures, but also equipped her with resilience and a strategic mindset that would later serve her in ecclesiastical reform.
Alongside finance, Oborne developed a passion for creativity and communication. She became a writer, including works for children, and an artist with an eye for expression and symbolism. These diverse experiences created a foundation for her later role as a priest who speaks not only from theological conviction but also from wide real-world experience.
Calling to Ministry
Eventually, Martine Oborne pursued ordination within the Church of England, responding to a sense of vocation to serve both God and people through pastoral ministry. She became Vicar of St Michael’s, Chiswick, in west London—a parish where she has nurtured community, provided pastoral care, and preached with clarity and conviction.
Her move into ordained ministry was not merely a career change but a deeper commitment to justice. As a female priest, she immediately recognised the structural inequalities embedded in the Church’s practices and policies. These inequalities—ranging from representation in leadership to the persistence of alternative oversight for those rejecting women’s ministry—motivated her to step into advocacy on a national stage.
Leadership in WATCH (Women and the Church)
One of Martine Oborne’s most influential positions is her leadership within WATCH, the campaigning body that pushes for the full inclusion and equality of women in the Church of England. As chair, she has provided direction at a critical time when, despite the ordination of women as priests and bishops, institutional discrimination still persists.
WATCH continues to argue that the so-called “Five Guiding Principles,” introduced as part of a compromise when women were first allowed to become bishops, in practice undermine equality. These principles allow parishes and dioceses to reject the ministry of women, creating a situation where women are technically permitted in all roles yet practically excluded in many places. Under Oborne’s leadership, WATCH has declared openly that the Church is still “not equal yet” and must dismantle hidden barriers if it is to embody genuine justice.
Campaigning on Safeguarding
Beyond gender equality, Martine Oborne has become a prominent advocate for reform in safeguarding. High-profile failures within the Church of England have left survivors of abuse feeling betrayed and unprotected. Oborne has been a clear, consistent voice reminding the institution that safeguarding cannot be treated as a bureaucratic inconvenience but must be embedded as a core expression of the Church’s mission.
She has spoken publicly on the dangers of concealing sexism, highlighting how institutional culture can mask discrimination and even endanger vulnerable people. In interviews and written reflections, she has asked difficult questions: Are women safe in the Church? How can survivors of abuse trust an institution that historically minimised their experiences? These questions demonstrate her determination to confront uncomfortable truths in order to bring about authentic change.
Media Engagement and Public Voice
Martine Oborne has not limited her advocacy to ecclesiastical structures. She frequently engages with national media, offering commentary on safeguarding reports, equality debates, and the broader moral responsibility of the Church. Her voice has been quoted in national outlets, where she challenges the Church to live up to its public witness.
She also writes thoughtful pieces that combine theological reflection with sharp analysis of institutional dynamics. Her writing style is both accessible and profound, making her an effective communicator to both lay and clerical audiences.
Theological and Ethical Perspective
At the heart of Martine Oborne’s work lies a theological conviction: the belief that all people, regardless of gender, deserve equal dignity, opportunity, and safety within the Church. She draws on biblical principles of justice, compassion, and truth, refusing to accept structures that perpetuate inequality.
Her advocacy is not framed in the language of secular activism alone; rather, it is deeply rooted in faith. She consistently argues that discrimination and poor safeguarding not only harm individuals but also damage the Church’s credibility as a witness to the Gospel. For her, reform is not optional—it is essential for the Church’s integrity.
Challenges and Resistance
Like all reformers, Oborne has faced resistance. The Church of England remains divided, with some factions determined to preserve the ability to reject women’s ministry. Others fear that safeguarding reform may expose past failings too openly. In such an environment, pushing for change can provoke hostility.
Yet Martine Oborne’s persistence is one of her defining qualities. Rather than retreating from opposition, she continues to press for dialogue, truth-telling, and policy change. Her leadership demonstrates that reform requires both courage and patience, qualities she has consistently displayed.
Broader Influence and Inspiration
Martine Oborne’s significance goes beyond her own parish or even the organisation of WATCH. She has become a role model for women in ministry who face discrimination, showing that resilience and faith can challenge even long-standing barriers.
Her example also inspires laypeople, campaigners, and clergy who want to see the Church reflect the inclusive love it preaches. By uniting theological depth with practical activism, she offers a model of leadership that bridges the gap between belief and action.
Looking Ahead
The work of Martine Oborne is far from finished. WATCH continues to campaign vigorously for the removal of discriminatory policies. Safeguarding reform is ongoing, and survivors continue to call for cultural transformation within the Church.
Oborne’s leadership ensures that these issues remain visible, urgent, and morally unavoidable. As long as inequality persists, she will continue to speak out. Her hope—and the hope of many—is that the Church of England will eventually match its practice to its principles, becoming a place of genuine equality and safety.
Conclusion
Martine Oborne’s life and work demonstrate how faith and conviction can be harnessed for justice. From investment banking to parish ministry, from parish leadership to national campaigning, her journey has been one of purpose and determination. She has chosen not to remain silent in the face of discrimination or safeguarding failures. Instead, she has become one of the clearest and most courageous voices for reform in the Church of England.
The legacy she is shaping is one where future generations may look back and see a Church transformed—one that moved from institutional sexism and safeguarding failure to equality and integrity. Martine Oborne is not only a priest but also a campaigner, a leader, and above all, a truth-teller. Her message is simple yet profound: the Church must embody the justice it proclaims.
