More than 120 people, mostly women from across Australia, gathered at Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney, from 14-16 November for the national Women and the Australian Church (WATAC) Conference.
The theme, Shining Bright, Living Loud, Standing Together, set the tone for a hopeful and energising weekend. Participants explored new possibilities for church life grounded in inclusion, diversity and collaboration. Over three days, they encountered alternatives to hierarchical and clerical models and imagined what faith can look like when communities share leadership and responsibility.
Inspiring Voices, Grounded Wisdom
The conference featured two keynote speakers:
- Dr Julia Baird, award-winning journalist and bestselling author, known for her writing on awe, grace, faith, gender and power.
- Cathy McGowan AO, former Independent Member for Indi (2013-2019), pioneer of community-led politics, and long-time WATAC member.
Conference organiser Danielle Anne Lynch reflected on the weekend:
“We were thrilled that the conference theme resonated so deeply and that participants engaged so wholeheartedly with every aspect of the program.”
A Church Shaped by a Discipleship of Equals
While WATAC began in the Catholic tradition, it is now ecumenical and broadly Christian. It works with churches and faith communities to model a discipleship of equals. Through gatherings, publications and reflection, WATAC supports people seeking a more inclusive, participatory and just church.
Catholic religious women and men founded WATAC in 1984, and the organisation held its first national conference in 1987. After nearly closing in 2019, WATAC experienced a strong renewal. A key part of that revival has been its partnership with The Grail to produce the highly regarded Australian Women Preach podcast.
As WATAC President Andrea Dean explained:
“We decided not to wait. We chose to host a conference that would nourish women, strengthen community, and chart WATAC’s direction for the future.”
Awe, Courage and Community-Led Change
On Saturday morning, Dr Julia Baird explored the role of awe and grace in everyday life. She offered practical ways churches can nurture both. Drawing on her work in public conversations about faith, gender, politics and domestic violence, she encouraged participants to shine bright and live loud, even in difficult circumstances.
At the conference dinner, Cathy McGowan AO reflected on decades of community activism and public service. She spoke about amplifying rural voices, advancing gender equality, supporting Indigenous constitutional recognition and advocating for humane asylum-seeker policies. Drawing on her experience in community-led politics, she challenged participants to pursue meaningful change within the Australian church.
Honouring Country and Creative Expression
The conference honoured Indigenous wisdom through the leadership of First Nations women including Canon Auntie Di Langham, Belinda Roberts, Brooke Prentis and Kelly Humphrey. They welcomed participants to Country and shared insights from their faith and lived experience.
Original music by Danielle Anne Lynch, Gen Bryant, Steph Jorna and Beth Doherty enriched the gathering. Their contributions strengthened the conference’s spirit of prayer, creativity and community.
Energised for What Comes Next
Participants left encouraged, challenged and inspired. One attendee said:
“The speakers and workshop presenters were exceptional. They explored theology and perspectives that were new to me. I found the whole experience challenging, thought-provoking and inspiring.”
Danielle Anne Lynch thanked the organising team, while Andrea Dean acknowledged Danielle’s vision, leadership and dedication in bringing the conference together.
Planning has already begun for the Patricia Horsley Memorial Lecture in 2026, to be held in another Australian city. Early discussions about the next WATAC Conference are also underway.
Together, WATAC continues to shine bright, live loud and stand together, building a church shaped by justice, inclusion and shared leadership.