About WEWG
The Women's Engagement Working Group was established to see the Presbyterian Church in NSW/ACT develop and nurture a culture in its decision making forums where the contribution of men and women are sought and valued equally, in a way that shapes our everyday practices, conversations, structure, polity and cost.
WEWG was established by the General Assembly of NSW in 2023, and is convened by Rev Stephen Taylor. The Working Group is made up five men (four ministers and one elder) and five women (including one Deaconess).
In 2023 the Assembly set apart funding for resources to be developed by WEWG, including the podcast Clarity Not Consensus and the development and resources of this website.
Co-Heirs and Co-Workers
A widely held framework of ministry within the PCNSW affirms that men and women are equal in dignity and worth, and that both contribute essential gifts, skills, wisdom, and insights for the building up of the church. It reflects the biblical vision of men and women serving together as co-heirs and co-workers, and recognises the goodness of God's design in humanity. In this shared work, the diversity of God's people equips the church to fulfil its task as stewards of the gospel.
There is a wide variety of views and practices within the PCNSW. Practices in the local church vary according to the leadership of that church.
Requirements of Ministers and Deaconesses are established by the General Assembly of Australia (GAA), while the requirements for other courts and offices are decided by the NSW State Assembly.
Women in the Courts of the Church
Session
In 2024 we asked PCNSW Churches how they engage women in the Courts of the Church. This is what we discovered.
- Women's Ministry Leadership Team
- Deacons Court
- Staff Members
- Attending all or part of Session meetings
- Congregational Leadership Teams (men & women)
- Annual Ministry Reviews & Surveys
- Female BTS Representative
- Interview Panels
Presbytery
In 2024, the General Assembly of NSW asked Presbyteries how they engage women in the Courts of the Church. This is what we discovered.
- Presbytery Affiliates
- Committee Members
- Policy Document for Engaging Women
- Presbytery Gatherings
- Women Elders
Assembly
How women are engaged in the General Assembly of NSW.
- Women's Ministry Committee & Women's Engagement Working Group
- Rights equivalent to an Associated Member for key personnel, including Deaconesses, staff and committee members. Download the guide to Associated Rights.
- Women convening some Committees
- Women Elders
- Women sit on GANSW Committees with full rights
- Female chaplain present at Assembly
- Women employed as CEOs of PCNSW organisations
Ordained and Commissioned Roles
Within the PCNSW, some roles are male only, some are female only, and some are open to both.
- Ordination - Men Only
- Commissioned Gospel Workers - Men Only
- Deaconesses - Women Only
- Pastoral Assistants - Men and Women
- Eldership - Men and Women
- Deacons Courts - Men and Women
Position Papers
In 2025, the GANSW asked PCNSW Churches to develop a position paper on how they see the Bible informs them on how men and women work together in their parish, to communicate it with their congregation and to make this position paper available to WEWG for distribution.
We have collated the position papers that have been submitted to the WEWG below.