Australia’s Anglican church still divided over women’s ordination

(ENInews)–Australia’s Anglican Church has its third female bishop, Genieve Blackwell, but her 31 March consecration was boycotted by her archbishop, Sydney’s Peter Jensen, a strong opponent of women clergy. Blackwell, the first Anglican woman bishop in the state of New South Wales, was appointed regional bishop of Wagga Wagga, located between Sydney and Melbourne, by Bishop Stuart Robinson of the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn. Jensen is archbishop of the region, which also includes Sydney, one of the most conservative dioceses in the Anglican Communion. Of her new role, Blackwood told ENInews, “It is about promoting Christ’s church in the world, and encouraging parishes in what they are doing now and in the future.” [463 words, ENI-12-0210]