A Farewell to Remember: Celebrating Rev’d Dr Josephine Inkpin’s Conclusion Service

Tomorrow marks a significant and emotional moment in the life of Pitt Street Uniting Church (PSUC) and the wider faith community as folk gather to celebrate the conclusion of Rev’d Dr Josephine Inkpin’s ministry placement. After years of transformative leadership, boundary-breaking advocacy, and profound spiritual guidance, Josephine will preside over her final service at PSUC on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 10 am.

This special service, held on the Feast of Candlemas, is a fitting conclusion to Josephine’s ministry at PSUC. Candlemas, a time of transition in the liturgical calendar, symbolises the turning of seasons and the poignant act of letting go. As Josephine herself reflects, it is a moment to shift focus “from crib to cross (and resurrection), and celebrating into letting go.”

For those who have been touched by Josephine’s ministry, this is an opportunity to honour her remarkable contributions and to celebrate the light she has brought to so many lives. Whether you join in person or online, this service promises to be a deeply moving and reflective occasion, filled with gratitude, love, and hope for the future.

Josephine’s time at PSUC has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over the past four years, she has led with wisdom, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to inclusion and justice. Her ministry has been a beacon of hope for many, particularly for those on the margins of faith communities.

As the first openly transgender minister inducted into a mainstream church in Australia, Josephine has been a trailblazer, challenging boundaries and building bridges. Her leadership has inspired countless individuals to embrace authenticity, reconcile faith with identity, and work toward a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Reflecting on her journey, Josephine shared in our last post, “It’s been wonderfully empowering to live authentically, to reconcile my faith with my identity, and to be part of a wider movement for inclusion and justice.”

While this marks the end of Josephine’s full-time ministry at PSUC, it is by no means the end of her journey. She and her wife, Rev’d Penny Jones, are looking forward to a well-deserved sabbatical, time with family, and continuing their work of resourcing and inspiring others in new ways.

As Josephine steps into this new chapter, she does so with the knowledge that she has left an indelible mark on the church and the wider community. Her legacy of courage, compassion, and transformative leadership will continue to inspire and guide those who follow in her footsteps.

All are welcome tomorrow, Sunday, February 2, at 10 am (AEDT), for this special service of worship and communion at Pitt Street Uniting Church, Sydney to celebrate Josephine’s ministry, reflect on her journey, and send her forth with love and blessings into this exciting new season of life. You can also join this service via Zoom. 

As Josephine concludes her ministry, we echo the words of so many who have been touched by her work: Thank you, Josephine, for your leadership, your courage, and your unwavering commitment to justice and inclusion. May this next chapter be filled with peace, joy, and abundant blessings.