Lead Like a Woman conference: insights and learnings
Reflections
Four women share their insights and learnings from the Lead Like a Woman conference, including Susan Brockhurst, Kylie Walls, Elissa Cotroneo and The Ven. Tiffany Sparks
Please be aware that this content references sexual violence.
“The conference provided our team with a deeper collective understanding of the interconnectedness of historical injustice, ongoing trauma, and the critical need for culturally sensitive pastoral care and safeguarding,” (Susan Brockhurst and Kylie Walls, ACSQ)
Susan Brockhurst — Associate Director, Office of Safe Ministry and Kylie Walls — Domestic and Family Violence Advisor
As a team, the Office of Safe Ministry was deeply impacted by the keynote address, “Still Burning Witches: The Church and Sexual Violence”, delivered by The Rev’d Dr Miryam Clough. Dr Clough’s insightful analysis of the historical influences impacting current safeguarding dynamics within the Church provided a crucial framework for our work. The First Nations panel’s powerful testimonies and insights into culturally appropriate support were also a significant highlight, enriching our understanding of the diverse needs within our community.
The conference provided our team with a deeper collective understanding of the interconnectedness of historical injustice, ongoing trauma, and the critical need for culturally sensitive pastoral care and safeguarding. Dr Clough’s presentation and the subsequent First Nations panel highlighted how historical narratives and power structures continue to shape present-day experiences of vulnerability and marginalisation, particularly for women and First Nations communities. The shared personal testimonies resonated deeply with our team, reinforcing the importance of trauma-informed practices.
The Office of Safe Ministry will integrate these learnings into our trauma-informed practices, which we prioritise in all aspects of our work. We will endeavour to incorporate these themes into safeguarding responses, communications and engagement. We have a renewed appreciation for the importance of fostering a culture of safety and healing in all that we do.
The Office of Safe Ministry supports the Movement for the Ordination of Women because we recognise that the full inclusion of women in leadership is essential for creating a safer and more equitable Church. The conference underscored the vital contributions women make to ministry and the detrimental effects of excluding them from ordained roles. Empowering women in leadership positions is crucial for fostering a culture of respect, accountability and justice within the Church.
“I believe in celebrating the presence and successes of women, especially those women who were instrumental in advocating for women’s ordination in the Anglican Church,” (Elissa Cotroneo)
Elissa Cotroneo — Director, Anglican Youth Children and Families
I found The Rev’d Dr Miryam Clough’s presentation on “Still Burning Witches: The Church and Sexual Violence” particularly insightful. She highlighted the arbitrariness and prevalence of gender-based violence in the Church, particularly regarding the copious amounts of women who were accused of practising “witchcraft” between the 16th and 18th centuries and who were considered dangerous simply because they were women.
I learned that among the accused women, there were healers and midwives. Many of them were punished or tortured because their medical practises were likened to satanism, but it was found in the Survey of Scottish Witchcraft that many of their practises were aligned with modern nursing and midwifery processes. These women were forward thinkers, but they were punished for their competence and considered a hinderance to men achieving.
I believe in celebrating the presence and successes of women, especially those women who were instrumental in advocating for women’s ordination in the Anglican Church. It is because of them that so many women are now being ordained — we are standing on the shoulders of giants!
I believe there is still work to be done, however. It is uncomfortable that there are still people in our diocese yet to support women’s ordination and ministry. By encouraging and raising up female clergy and lay leaders, we are sending a message: that we are present, we are strong and we are assured of our calling, and we aren’t going anywhere.
“One of Dr Tracy McEwan’s salient observations is that ‘If you identify the problem, you become the problem’. I have drawn on this a few times when speaking to women since the conference,” (The Ven. Tiffany Sparks)
The Venerable Tiffany Sparks — Archdeacon, Anglican Diocese of Grafton
My conference highlight was Saturday’s session by Dr Tracy McEwan, whose projects include the International Survey of Catholic Women — a survey of more than 17,000 Catholic women from 105 countries. I found this content really stimulating because the survey involved so many practising Catholic women from around the world. It highlighted their deep desire for full equality of men and women socially, in the workplace and sacramentally. And, not in a complementarian way, but in an egalitarian way. This includes access for women to enter Holy Orders. I thought that the study and presentation were world class and I would have attended this lecture as a standalone event. I’m deeply glad that this was included in the conference schedule.
Another highlight for me was The Ven. Dr Colleen O’Reilly’s presentation on the Anglican Church’s history and the current state of play in the Anglican Church of Australia. I am delighted that the Grafton Diocese is one of four dioceses in Australia to reach gender parity with clergy and in senior leadership. A little pride point there!
One of Dr Tracy McEwan’s salient observations is that “If you identify the problem, you become the problem”. I have drawn on this a few times when speaking to women since the conference. It is such a succinct way of summing up angry or dismissive responses to whistleblowing and identifying systemic failures and social dynamics. It is much easier for some people to take the path of least resistance rather than risk the reputational damage of becoming a “problem person”. I think this transcends gender.
I’m subsequently being more gracious and charitable to people bringing me problems as I now further identify the courage it takes.
I am compelled to support the ongoing work of the Movement for the Ordination of Women. I grew up seeing The Rev’d (later Archdeacon Emeritus) Heather Toon, a vocational deacon, and I was shocked as a child to learn that women couldn’t be priests. I remember watching the fight as a child and being full of hope and pride in 1992/93 when the first women were ordained in Australia. Both my parents are ordained priests in the Anglican Church — Hi Mum and Dad! They raised me to believe that women should have the same civil liberties and opportunities as the next person. Neither gender is better, more powerful or should hold more authority. We are all in this together. And I want to promote organisations who share this vision and are willing to use what they have to fight for it.
Author’s note: If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit the 1800 RESPECT website for online chat and video call services:
- Available 24/7: Call, text or online chat.
- Mon-Fri, 9am-mightnight AEST (except national public holidays): Video call (no appointment needed)
