RECTOR of Basingstoke has retired after leading four Basingstoke churches for nearly two decades.

Rev Canon Jo Stoker, who has argued vigorously for equality of women and diversity in the Church of England, decided to take up an early retirement to live in Devon.

Saturday, March 12, was the last occasion when Rev Stoker led worship at St Michael’s Parish Church in the centre of the town.

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At her final service, there were more than 200 people present, paying tribute to her service to the town.

She has served the 45,000 or so residents of her parish for more than 18 years, while leading a team of three other churches at the Top of Town, Brighton Hill and South Ham.

A spokesperson for St Michael’s Church said: “She has presided at countless baptisms, weddings and funerals of people who would otherwise never have come into St Michael’s.

“She has been an inspiration to many who have gone on to minister in many different locations and callings, as well as to the wider congregations and townspeople.

“She has argued vigorously for equality of women and diversity in the Church of England and for social justice in Basingstoke through her active support of the Night Shelter and Camrose Centre projects for homeless people.”

Basingstoke Gazette: Rev Canon Jo StokerRev Canon Jo Stoker

Rev Stoker also led a team that built a new child care and nursery facility at South Ham, providing a much need facility for local working families and new job opportunities for local people.

She was also an active Canon of Winchester Cathedral, supporting its development.

The spokesperson added: “Her personal commitment to ‘share God’s love in our town’ was recognised clearly as she left to take up early retirement in Devon.”

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