101. Marilyn Hatton - 12 February 2023

Australian Women Preach

Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time - Matthew 5: 17-37

Marilyn says:

I am a Catholic lay woman whose faith is as central to my identity as my gender. I am a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother committed to working for an inclusive practice of Catholic faith that is respected and active in the public square, a faith that can sustain future generations as my faith has sustained me.

My professional work has involved developing and implementing machinery of government and public policy for the status of women across policy portfolios in both Federal and Territory governments including as the first Women’s Health Adviser in the ACT. My tertiary background includes graduating as a R.N. St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney; B.A. Applied Science, University of Canberra; M.Litt. History/Gender Studies ANU.

I have been involved in the renewal movement in the Catholic Church for over 20 years. Initially attending WATAC meetings as a young mother, subsequently as a member of renewal groups including the Ordination of Catholic Women Inc, representing Australia on the international Women’s Ordination Worldwide Network, International Catholic Reform Network, former Convener of the Australasian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform, member of Catholics Speak Out and Concerned Catholics Canberra Goulburn. My key focus has been for equality, dignity and respect for all.