The Rt. Rev. Victoria Matthews begins her new ministry as Bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand. She reflects on her ministry as Bishop in Canada and her new call as well as her experience at the recent Lambeth Conference.
Victoria Matthews quietly chuckles when people assume that because she is a woman in a traditionally male role she must be a liberal.
Stereotypes do not sit well with the 54-year-old Canadian who will be enthroned as the new Anglican Bishop of Christchurch next Saturday. Nor do questions about how she, as a woman, will cope with the role.
“The challenge has nothing to do with gender. The challenge has to do with coming to a new part of the world and learning a new culture, a new language in part because I don’t speak Maori at the moment, and learning to steer the good ship Christchurch wherever God would have her sail.”
After just five days in the country and two in her new job, Matthews told the Star-Times she may be a novelty in New Zealand, but she is part of a long tradition.
“The Anglican Communion has had women bishops now for about 20 years. I was the first in Canada … I’m kind of tired about all the talk about firsts. I happen to be a woman who happens to be a bishop. What’s the point?”
Whether she likes it or not, Matthews’ appointment as Christchurch’s first female bishop has drawn attention around the world. But then Matthews is no stranger to attention.
Read it all here.
HT to T19.
Related: St. Michael Report | Canadians focused on redefining marriage | Bishop Victoria Matthews will resign | Archbishop of Canterbury appoints Windsor Continuation Group | Victoria Matthews elected bishop in New Zealand