21st Century – Bishops and beyond
The ordination of women as priests did not end the struggle for Anglican women. Equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women bishops, transgender women and those in governance roles remained live issues. Women are still underrepresented in the church hierarchy.
The Rev’d Alex Gater (1944-)
First Aboriginal woman priest in the Diocese of Brisbane. Alex Gater was born in Brisbane but as a child lived with her grandparents in Cherbourg. Her grandparents were founding members of the Anglican Church there. Alex experienced considerable racism, particularly on her move to Brisbane as a young woman. In 2003 she became the diocese’s first Aboriginal woman priest.
Aunty Rose Elu (1957–)
Aunty Rose Elu is a Torres Strait Islander campaigner for climate change action as it affects the Torres Strait. She successfully advocated for the recognition of Torres Strait Islander traditional adoptions. She is also a translator.
Ann Solari (1958–)
The Reverend Dr Ann Solari is a GP and Deacon in the Diocese of Brisbane. Her ministry is as a doctor to the homeless and underprivileged.
Josephine Inkpin (1960–)
Priest and transgender woman. The Revd Dr Josephine Inkpin has shared in many wonderful ministries in her native England and, since 2001, in Australia – including as a staff member of the National Council of Churches in Australia, and General Secretary of the NSW Ecumenical Council, Rector of St Luke Toowoomba, and, more recently, Lecturer in Church History and Senior Tutor at St Francis (theological) College in Brisbane
The Right Rev’d Alison Taylor (1953–)
The first woman consecrated bishop in Brisbane in 2013 and served as Assistant Bishop for the Southern Region. She is currently working on a PhD on what the commission means for the operations of the Anglican Church.
Roslyn Clifton (1957 – )
Priest and Educator
“The best thing I have seen as a Christian is the Royal Commission into Institutional Reponses to Child Sexual Abuse and my story will explain why.”
Debra Mullins (1957–)
A judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland since 2000, Debra Mullins has appointments at Griffith University, the Australian association of women judges, the Anglican Church of Australia and is Chancellor of the Diocese of Brisbane.