Rev Canon Eve Pitts: I was a child when the voice of God called me to be a vicar

The first black woman to be ordained as a vicar in the Church of England speaks to Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes about her life and faith. Earlier this month, Canon Eve, 72, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pride of Birmingham Awards, in recognition of her anti-racism work and service to the wider community. It was the culmination of a calling which began at a very early age - when God called her to ministry as a young child. "I found myself alone in a room and heard a voice calling me...My grandmother said don't tell anyone, God will reveal his promise when it's the right time for you," she remembers. Canon Eve also recounts going to church from a very early age - regardless of whether her parents accompanied her, and explains why she refuses to "romanticise" the Windrush Generation. She wants to be defined as a "priest who happens to be a woman and happens to be black", adding "I am a vibrant, gorgeous human bring who sets her sights high and is grateful for this gift of priesthood."   The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now and receive 3 issues for £5 at premierchristianity.com/subscribe