Rev Sue Speaks Out

Rev Sue Emeleus was deacon at my mother's church for many years and my mother was greatly nourished by Sue's ministry. I have written of my mother's wonderful smile when Sue came, in the last week of Mum's life, and anointed her with holy oil from Jerusalem. In Sydney Diocese Sue cannot administer the sacraments, that had to be done by a man whom Mum only slightly knew.
A week later Sue officiated at Mum's cremation and later at her memorial service.
In her sermon she obliquely referred to Mum's acceptance of my sexuality
" To our shame we still haven't learnt that lesson, but Jesus continues to plead with us through the scriptures. These are the things I would regularly speak about at St Luke's, and one of my most enthusiastic of hearers was Marge. How many 90 somethings do we know who can see beyond the traditions they have been brought up on and say, yes, I think you are right. I think Jesus is inclusive, never exclusive, and therefore so should we include everyone.

Marge Ralph was intelligent, thoughtful and a woman of God.
She listened to God's voice, and when she believed she could
hear it, she would welcome it and say amen. I'm sure our
inclusive God has already welcomed her home, but I know I
will remember her as a woman ahead of her time, who saw
Jesus as representing a God in whom there are no exclusions.
She would often tell me how much she agreed with something
I'd said, and always it was something about being more
inclusive and less exclusive. If only the church would hear the
feelings and opinions of people like Marge Ralph. God go with
you all as you journey on the difficult road of living without
her physical presence. In spirit I have no doubt she will always be with us. Amen."

Sue has just written in the Sydney Morning Herald. It is in response to an article last weekend which I do not think is online
Please read Sue's words and pray for Godly women in Sydney who are oppressed by the Diocesan leaders. I am sure this will not further her popularity with them.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/other-ways-of-talking-about-the-divine-will-take-the-church-forward/2008/06/09/1212863544909.html