FAITH: The Reverend Jenny Inglis' Trinity experience

Jenny Inglis (TCTS 1984) was ordained deacon in 1987 and priest in 1992 (the first year possible for women in Australia). She has served parishes in the Melbourne and Bathurst Dioceses, and her honorary ministry has included serving as secretary and board member of faith-based groups and committees. She is currently acting Priest-in-Charge in the Anglican Parish of Pascoe Vale/Oak Park.

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“I’ve always been impressed by the faith people invest in ensuring great opportunities for future generations at Trinity College. People’s generosity puts ‘legs’ on that faith – making it possible, tangible.

I’m just one of hundreds who have been fortunate to experience the quality theological education, formation program, observances of liturgy, meaty discussions and fellowship at Trinity’s Theological School that equip our lay and ordained people for the church’s ministry and the wider world.

I’d just completed teacher education studies in Bathurst when I joined the College in 1984. Through my involvement at Bathurst’s Cathedral parish, I sensed women would have so much to offer the church. That’s when I first discerned an opportunity to explore that call and offered myself for whatever might be ahead. Trinity then gave me an opportunity to test and deepen the kind of faith that can adapt within our ever-changing church and society.

My preaching and leading often explores the challenging message of Jesus, especially about women and status-shifting. Sometimes there’s a measure of doubt with faith – grappling with holy scripture and contemporary issues, which needs to be supplemented with respectful and adaptive pastoral care and liturgy.

As a priest I hope to help people from all walks of life on their journeys – whether difficult or joyous – by shining a light on God’s hopes for flourishing. God and the church may seem to have become less relevant for many in Australia, but it’s good to be reminded that we remain relevant to God."