Historic move for minister

By Shaun Inguanzo
A DANDENONG minister has been named as Victoria’s first female assistant bishop in the Anglican Church.
Canon Barbara Darling, 60, who preaches at St James Anglican Church in Dandenong, was last week called upon by Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr Philip Freier, to become an assistant bishop.
Canon Darling told the Star that the appointment was a surprise, as ministers did not apply for the job.
“It’s not something I had been aiming for as other people call you to that position,” she said.
“I’m excited and also a little apprehensive of what it is going to entail.”
Her appointment is a landmark decision in the Anglican Church’s history, with the church allowing women to become priests only since the mid 1990s.
Last year, the Anglican Church’s Australian synods – or Church councils – voted individually as to whether or not they would allow women to become bishops.
While Melbourne’s supported the move, Sydney’s did not.
Canon Darling said that despite there being a minority that did not support women becoming bishops, she had received an overwhelming amount of support and congratulations.
“Over the years there have also been people who weren’t sure (about women being priests or bishops) but when they’ve seen us in ministries, they’ve changed their minds,” Canon Darling said.
“God is using women and blessing us in the ministry in different ways.”
Sadly, Canon Darling must leave her post at St James due to the full-time commitment of being Assistant Archbishop of Melbourne.
But that doesn’t mean she will forget the cosmopolitan experience that Dandenong offered.
“It is a very vibrant and multicultural community and we have people from South Africa, India, Mauritius and, of course, the growing contingent of Sudanese,” she said.
Canon Darling said her Dandenong role had prepared her for her new role.
“One of the portfolios I will be looking after is multicultural ministries,” she said.
Canon Darling has many years’ experience as a teacher, including six years at secondary level, and 14 years as a lecturer at Ridley Theological College, Melbourne.
Her qualifications include an MA from the University of Melbourne, a BA and a Diploma in Education from the University of Sydney, and a Licentiate of Theology with First Class Honours from Ridley College, Melbourne.
Canon Darling will be consecrated, or officially made Assistant Archbishop of Melbourne, on 31 May at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Her final day at St James will be Sunday 25 May, on which she will give two services in the morning.