Leigh Mackay
15 January 2025
I worked with Bishop Rayner for his last five years as Archbishop of Melbourne. As his registrar, I saw him every week. Being a novice, it took me time to get his measure. But I was comforted by the fact that he had appointed me, a 42-year-old woman lawyer, to this role. He knew I would be very different, but he took a risk.
I came to see that he was unpretentious, shy, wise, dedicated and hardworking. Although a conservative, he engaged with contentious issues – divorce, women’s ordination – and was prepared to change his mind. Many times, I saw his pastoral concerns for his clergy.
My fondest memories of him were from the bishops’ meetings which I joined once a month. Before the meeting we shared the eucharist in the Bishopscourt chapel, followed by breakfast with conversation on topical issues such as the Cursillo Movement, and charismatic Toronto Blessing. These mornings gave me valued access to his home, his chapel and his hospitality. It was a model for building a team, a working community.
But I also enjoyed seeing him in action presiding over synod. There, he was courteous, clear, across the detail of the agenda and legislation as well as arcane synod procedures.
Read more: Significant Anglican and ‘instrument of God’: Bishop Keith Rayner dies
On the 150th anniversary of the diocese the archbishop allowed us to bring refreshments into the cathedral for the end of the opening synod service. As the sanctuary party started to process down the aisle the champagne corks started popping, too soon!! I was forgiven this breach of protocol.
Gaiters, the senior staff group, used to meet once a year for a quiet day. Archbishop Keith asked us to suggest leaders. I asked for a “lay woman”. That year he invited an Anglican nun from the United Kingdom who led an enjoyable day on the ministry of laughter. I thanked her later saying I’d asked for a lay woman. She said, “I am a lay woman”!
We last spoke in 2012 celebrating the 20th anniversary of women’s ordination at St Paul’s Cathedral. Once I got to the top of a long line of well-wishers, I complimented him on his essay in Preachers, Prophets & Heretics: Anglican Woman’s Ministry – about changing his mind. His humble reply: “I’m so pleased I wrote it before my recent health issues.”
Only in retrospect did I really appreciate his scholarship, his deep-rooted faith and his integrity. He was a consummate leader for our diocese and the Church as a whole.
Leigh Mackay OAM is Canon Emerita at St Paul’s Cathedral.
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