First female bishop appointed in Australia

The Anglican church in Australia has announced the appointment of the country’s first woman bishop.

A diocesan council approved 51-year-old Kay Goldsworthy to become an assistant bishop in Western Australia state. Her consecration will take place on May 22.

Ms Goldsworthy’s appointment was made possible by a decision earlier this week at a meeting of Australia’s Anglican bishops that set protocols for the consecration of women bishops.

Under the protocols, parishes that do not want a woman bishop would be offered the services of a male one.

Others countries with woman bishops include the United States and Canada. The ordination of women remains controversial among many Christians.