Vale Margaret Rodgers

Posted on May 31, 2014 
Filed under Sydney Diocese

Margaret RodgersReaders will be saddened to hear of the death of Deaconess Margaret Rodgers early this morning (31 May 2014).

Margaret was a well-known figure in Sydney Diocese over many years.

Most notably, she served as Principal of Deaconess House (now Mary Andrews College) 1975–85. As well, she was Research Officer, General Synod, 1985–1993, CEO of the Anglican Media Council 1994–2003 and the Archbishop of Sydney’s Media Officer 2004–2007.

Margaret also served on a variety of key boards and committees within and outside Sydney Diocese.

In the 2014 Australia Day Honours List, Deaconess Rodgers was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

Kara Hartley, Archdeacon for Women in Sydney Diocese, writes:

“Margaret was passionate for women to be mobilised for ministry. As Principal of Deaconess House, and through her involvement in the Diocese and national church, she was tireless in her support & encouragement of women seeking to serve The Lord. The deaconesses have lost a dear friend and sister.”

Moore College Principal Dr Mark Thompson writes:

“Moore College owes a considerable debt to Deaconess Rodgers who, as Principal of Deaconess House, gave lectures in church history and participated in the life of the faculty, and of the College more generally, in a variety of ways. The College has lost a very dear friend.”

Archbishop Dr Glenn Davies writes:

“A warrior for Christ, not ashamed of the gospel and not afraid to confront those with whom she disagreed, but always with a winsome smile and a heartfelt desire to see Christ honoured in all areas of life. She will long be remembered, but greatly missed.” (More here.)

Jane Tooher, Director of The Priscilla & Aquila Centre at Moore College, adds:

“I last spoke to Margaret a couple of months ago when I invited her to speak at a conference. Although she was unable to be involved because of her precarious health, the conversation with her was remarkable. She encouraged me and her wonderful sense of humour left me in hysterical laughter at points. All who knew her, and especially those of us at Moore College, have very good reasons to thank God for the life of this faithful servant.”

John Sandeman of Eternity Newspaper has this tribute:

“Most Australian Christians will complain about how the mass media deals with their church, or Christianity itself. It’s rare to see someone set out to deal with this problem and even rarer to see someone succeed, not just once but many times. Margaret Rodgers, who ran media relations for the Sydney Anglicans for a decade and a half, fitted the third category exactly.”

In 2007, Margaret was farewelled on her retirement. “Media Officer’s brilliant career.”

In 2011, the Synod of the Diocese of Sydney took time to specially thank Margaret.

(Photo: Mary Andrews College.)