The Anglican Church’s Disappearing Women: A Call for Reflection and Action in Progressive Christianity

The recent report on the decline of women in leadership within the Anglican Church, particularly in the Canberra Goulburn diocese, is a sobering reminder of the challenges women continue to face in ministry. Thirty years after the first ordinations of women to the Anglican priesthood, the promise of equality remains unfulfilled, with systemic barriers, cultural biases, and theological resistance still deeply entrenched. For those of us in the progressive Christian community, this story is not just a call to lament but a call to action.

The ordination of women in 1992 was a watershed moment for the Anglican Church in Australia. It was a victory for equality advocates who had fought tirelessly for decades. Yet, as Reverend Lynda McMinn’s research reveals, the progress made in those early years has not only stagnated but, in some cases, reversed. The number of female rectors in the Canberra Goulburn diocese has hit a three-decade low, and women are significantly underrepresented in leadership roles across the national church. This is not just a local issue; it reflects a broader trend seen in other Western countries, including the United States and England.

The reasons for this decline are multifaceted. McMinn’s report highlights “cultural, theological, and organizational barriers,” including patronizing attitudes, unrealistic expectations of clergy, and a persistent bias that views men as the natural leaders of the church. Women clergy have reported experiences of overt sexism, such as being questioned about their ability to balance ministry with domestic responsibilities—questions rarely, if ever, posed to their male counterparts. These challenges are compounded by the influence of conservative theological views, which often resist female leadership outright.

Perhaps even more concerning is the demographic shift occurring in church congregations. For the first time in recorded history, young men are identifying as Christians at higher rates than young women in countries like Australia and the United States. This reversal of a centuries-old trend raises important questions: Are women leaving the church because they feel undervalued and excluded? Are they rejecting institutions that have historically marginalized them? Dr. Ruth Powell, head of the National Church Life Survey, suggests that many women are saying, “You have had power, you have abused power, and we reject that.”

This trend should alarm all Christians, not just because it signals a potential decline in church attendance but because it reflects a deeper spiritual and cultural crisis. If the church cannot offer a space where women feel valued, empowered, and equal, it risks losing not only their presence but also their unique contributions to the faith community.

The Canberra Goulburn diocese deserves credit for commissioning McMinn’s report and openly addressing the issue. The formation of a Women in Leadership Commission, chaired by Assistant Bishop Vanessa Bennett, is a step in the right direction. However, as Bennett herself acknowledges, cultural change is slow and difficult. It requires more than policy adjustments; it demands a fundamental shift in attitudes and practices.

For progressive Christians, this is an opportunity to lead by example. We must actively support and advocate for women in ministry, not just in words but in actions. This includes:

Challenging theological resistance: We must confront and dismantle interpretations of scripture that perpetuate patriarchal structures. The gospel calls us to radical equality, and our theology should reflect that.

Creating supportive environments: Women in ministry need mentorship, encouragement, and opportunities to lead without fear of bias or harassment. This includes addressing practical barriers like childcare and parental leave.

Listening to women’s experiences: As McMinn’s report demonstrates, real change begins with listening. Women’s voices must be at the center of any effort to address these issues.

Reverend McMinn, who is living with a terminal illness, reflects on her journey with both realism and hope: “When I was ordained to the priesthood 20 years ago, I firmly believed that I could simply be a priest who happened to be a woman, rather than a woman priest. I believed the battles had been fought ahead of me by brave, strong women, whose footsteps I was privileged to follow. Although I still believe this to be a fundamental truth, in practice it’s all much more complicated.”

Her words remind us that the fight for equality is ongoing. It is not enough to celebrate past victories; we must remain vigilant and committed to the work of justice. As progressive Christians, we are called to embody the inclusive love of Christ—a love that values and uplifts all people, regardless of gender.

The church’s future depends on its ability to embrace this vision. Let us not only ask, “Where have the women gone?” but also, “What can we do to bring them back?” The answer lies in creating a church where women are not just welcomed but empowered, not just included but celebrated, as equal partners in the mission of God.

Photo: Lynda McMinn at Easter Mass