Celebration of Women's Ordination Anniversary in Grafton by Naomi Cooke

From Kathryn Johnson

naomicooke1 — 2023-10-26 05:17:20 UTC

Two outstanding women I have had pleasure to know and admire are Ann from Dorigo, Chaplain at Coffs Harbour, and Judy Edwards previously from Casino.

These wonderful women have been involved with the Cursillo movement prior to being ordained.

They both epitomise the joy of knowing Jesus and share his love to all they meet.

Also Sally from Ballina and Naomi included in this wonderful example of leadership , and new age of Anglican representation .

From Kathryn Johnson

naomicooke1 — 2023-10-26 05:17:55 UTC

The church of the future for women's leadership I think will continue to be founded on faith , equality, and bringing people together for the common good.

From Kathryn Johnson

naomicooke1 — 2023-10-26 05:19:19 UTC

The journey for women towards ordination, continues to be inclusive, supportive and encouraged. As we are seeing more women be ordained, which has been a blessing for the church.

We have had the privilege of seeing wonderful Locums including women priest's during the time awaiting our new Dean.

From Dean Naomi

naomicooke1 — 2023-10-26 06:24:50 UTC

Despite never seeing any ordained women as a child or teenager, since my time as a young woman in ministry I have been in the most wonderful teams with ordained women across various Christian denominations as well as in our Anglican Diocese. I have greatly enjoyed collegial creative partnerships I've had in ministry with other women. I've appreciated the empathy of sharing the journey of similar life juggle of being a mum and a priest.

From Dean Naomi

naomicooke1 — 2023-10-26 06:31:17 UTC

My vision for the future of the Church is exciting. The final chapters of the bible have a vision of Jesus saying, “See, I am making all things new.” I look forward to inclusivity where everyone's gifts are valued and we see the diversity of humanity identity and ability in our leadership.

From Dean Naomi

naomicooke1 — 2023-10-26 06:33:28 UTC

I appreciate that there were women and men advocating for my future vocation. Before I was born, before I felt God's calling, there were people advocating that "future me" would have a voice and choice. Thankyou.

From Clague Family

2023-11-09 05:46:45 UTC

Dorothy McRae-McMahon who was ordained as a Minister of the Uniting Church in 1982 was established at Pitt St Uniting Church when our family arrived there from the Clarence in 1984. Her friendship, counsel and passionate pursuit of social justice has enriched the life of our family.

A contemporary of Joyces in many ways - age, social vision and political alignment - it was a natural fit to join the Pitt St congregation from our home in Sydney’s inner west as our three older daughters progressed through high school, tertiary study and employment and for Evette the whole of her school life.

Dorothy provided the proactive leadership that informed and strengthened the values for acceptance of difference, pursuit of social justice and contesting discrimination promoted in our family.

Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_McRae-McMahon

From Clague Family

2023-11-09 05:47:41 UTC

Pauline Webb in active retirement at 83, in 2010 invited The Cathedral’s resident clarinetist Evette to contribute to the Christmas worship at the Methodist Church at Notting Hill. Accompanied by her sister Pauline, Evette flew to London to oblige.

In May 1970 Joyce sat at a table in Geneva with Pauline at the inaugural meeting of the World Council of Churches Commission Program Combat Racism. Daughter Anne Grace was there too, she was 5 weeks old and the PCR members took her in their arms at devotions for a baptism in which they dedicated themselves to eradicating racism in her lifetime.

Pauline and Joyce emerged as soul mates in the pursuit of social justice for those subject to discrimination and oppression in particular those in the liberation movements of southern Africa.

An author of note from 1958 writing on a common theme that the church must abandon all forms of discrimination, especially against women”, Pauline worked for the Methodist Missionary Society until 1965 when she was appointed Vice-President of the Methodist Conference. She was a member of unity talks between the Anglican and Methodist churches. In 1968 Pauline was elected vice-moderator of the central committee of the World Council of Churches, the first woman appointed to this position.

Pauline was appointed organizer of religious broadcasting for the BBC World Service in 1979 through which she was not afraid to allow voices all too often stifled, to be heard.

Ref: www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/05/pauline-webb-obituary