Five women ordained

Two decades ago there were no female Anglican deacons in WA, but as of Saturday, female deacons in the Diocese of Bunbury outnumber the men.

Five South West women were ordained by Bishop Allan Ewing during a ceremony at Bunbury’s Anglican cathedral, bringing the total number of deacons in the Diocese to 12—seven of them women.

Newly-appointed deacon Mary Prowse said she was overjoyed to have realised a dream that she had been unable to realise as a younger woman.

‘‘When I was a child, it was impossible for women to be deacons and it’s good all the people of God can serve in this way,’’ she said.

‘‘I wanted to become a deacon to serve the people of my parish, I hope to show the love of God in the community.’’

Bishop Ewing welcomed the new deacons and said their ordination proved there was a place in the church for everyone.

‘‘It’s a solemn event but it’s also a time of great joy,’’ Bishop Ewing said.

‘‘When a person is ordained, it’s a recognition by the individual and by the Church community that this person is set apart for a particular ministry within the church.

‘‘Their main role as a deacon is to be out and about in the community, working in pastoral care and supporting people in the local community.’’