Kay Goldsworthy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO |
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| Archbishop of Perth | |
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Goldsworthy in 2019
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| Church | Anglican Church of Australia |
| Province | Western Australia |
| Diocese | Perth |
| Elected | 29 August 2017 |
| Enthroned | 10 February 2018 |
| Predecessor | Roger Herft |
| Other posts | Metropolitan of Western Australia (ex officio) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 9 February 1986 (as deacon) by David Penman 7 March 1992 (as priest) |
| Consecration | 22 May 2008 by Roger Herft |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Kay Maree Goldsworthy |
| Born | 1956 (age 68–69) Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Denomination | Anglicanism |
| Spouse | Jeri James |
| Children | 2 |
| Previous post |
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| Alma mater | Trinity College, Melbourne |
| Coat of arms |  |
Kay Maree Goldsworthy (born in 1956) is an important leader in the Anglican Church of Australia. She is currently the Archbishop of Perth. This means she is the main leader of the Anglican Church in Western Australia.
When she became archbishop on February 10, 2018, she made history. She was the first woman to become an archbishop in the Anglican Church of Australia. Before this, she was a bishop in the Diocese of Gippsland in Victoria.
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Early Life and Education
Kay Goldsworthy grew up in Melbourne, Australia. She studied theology at Trinity College from 1980 to 1983. Theology is the study of religious faith and practice.
Becoming a Church Leader
In 1986, Kay Goldsworthy became one of the first women in Australia to be ordained as a deacon in the Anglican Church. A deacon is a church leader who helps priests and serves the community. She worked in churches in Thomastown, Epping, Deer Park, and St. Albans.
Later, she moved to Western Australia. There, she became a school chaplain at Perth College. A chaplain is a minister who works in a special place like a school or hospital.
In 1992, she made history again. She was part of the first group of women in Australia to be ordained as priests. This was done by Archbishop Peter Carnley. A priest is a church leader who can lead church services and give sacraments.
After becoming a priest, she led St David's parish in Applecross from 1995 to 2006. During this time, she was also given important roles like canon and Archdeacon of Fremantle. In 2007, she became the Archdeacon of Perth. An archdeacon helps the bishop manage the church's work in a certain area.
Ministry as a Bishop
In April 2008, Kay Goldsworthy was chosen to be an assistant bishop in the Diocese of Perth. This was a very important step. On May 22, 2008, she became the first woman to be consecrated as a bishop in the Anglican Church of Australia. To be consecrated means to be officially set apart for a holy purpose. This happened at St George's Cathedral, Perth.
Leading a Diocese
In 2013, she was considered for a top leadership role. She was the first woman bishop to be nominated to lead a whole diocese in Australia. A diocesan bishop is the main bishop in charge of a large church area called a diocese.
On December 11, 2014, she was elected to lead the Diocese of Gippsland. She officially started this role on March 21, 2015.
National Recognition
In 2017, Kay Goldsworthy received a special honor. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). This award recognized her "distinguished service to religion." It also honored her as a pioneer and role model for women in the church.
Later in 2017, she was elected as the Archbishop of Perth. She was officially installed on February 10, 2018. As archbishop, she is also the metropolitan of Western Australia. This means she is the chief bishop for the entire region.
Views on Women Bishops
Women have been serving as Anglican bishops in many countries since 1989. These include the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.
In Australia, the church decided in 2007 that there was no rule against women becoming bishops. In April 2008, a meeting of bishops made it possible for the first woman to be consecrated as a bishop in Australia.
Kay Goldsworthy's appointment was not supported by everyone in the church. Some people, especially in the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, had different views. They believed that women should not be bishops. For example, David Mulready, a bishop from another diocese, said he believed the Bible did not allow for women bishops.
Despite these differing views, Archbishop Goldsworthy continues her work. In 2023, she preached at Christ Church St Laurence in Sydney. This was a significant event. She was the first woman bishop to preach in an Anglican church in Sydney. This happened during celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the Movement for the Ordination of Women.
Family Life
Kay Goldsworthy is married to Jeri James. They have twin sons.
See also
- Ordination of women in the Anglican Communion
- List of the first women ordained as priests in the Anglican Church of Australia in 1992
Images for kids
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Coat of arms of Kay Goldsworthy
