A rebellious decision to ordain women as priests in Canberra came just in time for Christmas. The Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn announced in December 1991 they would begin to ordain women from February 1992.
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There were 11 women deacons from the diocese who were due to be ordained in St Saviour's cathedral, Goulburn on February 2, which was expected to be the first ordination of women as priests in Australia.
The diocese's decision went against the wishes of the primate who had asked for churches to not ordain women before the General Synod was due to discuss the matter in July the next year at the church's Appellate Tribunal.
Yet the Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn, the Right Reverend Owen Dowling, said the church had waited more than long enough to welcome women into the priesthood.
"My understanding of Christ's message is that discrimination against women in the exercise of Christian ministry would be wrong," Bishop Dowling said.
"It has taken nearly 2000 years for the church to realise this, just as it took 1800 years to realise that slavery is wrong in God's sight."
See more at https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/13014587
Julia Kanapathippillai
I like writing fascinating stories about Canberra. If you have a tip or a story email julia.k@austcommunitymedia.com.au
I like writing fascinating stories about Canberra. If you have a tip or a story email julia.k@austcommunitymedia.com.au
