Largest Ordination in Sydney’s History

The largest ordination service ever held in the Diocese of Sydney will happen tomorrow, Saturday 4th February, when 47 deacons will be ordained for ministry in the Diocese. The service, to be led by the Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Peter Jensen, will be held at 10.00am in St Andrew's Anglican Cathedral, George Street, Sydney.

Since Sydney is the largest Anglican diocese in Australia it is assumed that this is also the largest ordination service ever held in Australia's Anglican Church.

Writing in the Sydney diocesan newspaper Southern Cross, Archbishop Jensen said "I have to admit being overwhelmed with joy at the record number of deacons being ordained and the stipendiary lay workers as this year commences.  They represent the increasing number of people who are sacrificing to be trained to go into ministry."

The Rev Dr Mark Thompson will be the special preacher. Dr Thompson is the Academic Dean of Moore Theological College, where the majority of the ordinands undertook their theological and pastoral training.

Bishop Hector Zavala, Bishop of Chile, was specially invited by Archbishop Jensen to be present at the service. "The fact that Bishop Zavala is standing with us is a signal that we are committed not just to Sydney but also to "all the world'", Dr Jensen said. "The Diocese of Sydney has a special relationship with the Diocese of Chile and provides support for theological education as well as people for ministry in Chile."

While on this occasion all 47 ordinands are male, the Diocese of Sydney does ordain women to be deacons. During the service two women will be commissioned as Diocesan Lay Workers, and two overseas clergy will receive licences for ministry in Sydney.

Media are invited to film, record and photograph the service.

Please indicate your presence to the Archbishop's Media Officer, Margaret Rodgers.

CONTACT: Margaret Rodgers
(W) 9265 1507
(H) 9560 9801
(M) 0411 692 499