Tribute to Barbara Darling

Anglican Church

Diocese of Sydney

Public Statement, 16th February 2015

Archbishop pays tribute to Barbara Darling

It was with great sadness that we heard the news of the death of Bishop Barbara Darling on Sunday 15th February, after suffering a stroke some eight days earlier. 

Barbara Darling was a pioneer of extraordinary gifts and talents. Originally from Sydney, after some years spent as a teacher in NSW, Barbara moved to Melbourne and pursued theological studies at Ridley College under Dr Leon Morris.  Her intellect and gracious disposition combined with both passion and giftedness for teaching were quickly recognised by Dr Morris, as she was offered a teaching contract at Ridley upon her  graduation, and later became the first tenured female lecturer at Ridley College. 

Barbara was a pioneer for women's ordination, having been in the first cohort of women to be made deacon in Melbourne in 1986, and six years later among the first to be ordained priest, and then Barbara became the first woman to be consecrated bishop in the Diocese of Melbourne in 2008. 

Yet Barbara never displayed a militant advocacy for the ordination of women.  Her first joy was to serve her Saviour in whatever capacity he called to her to. A committed Evangelical, Barbara was able to maintain good relationships with those who held different views from her own. Winsome, godly and gracious it was always a joy to meet her and to hear of the work of God in her life and ministry.  She will be sorely  missed not only by the Diocese of Melbourne but by the national church as well. 

'Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints' (Ps 116:15).   

Archbishop Glenn Davies