In Australia, and beyond, women are taking on religious leadership in ways that would have been unthinkable decades ago. 

But change and faith is a complex brew. And for every breakthrough, there's backlash.  

And the arguments aren't just theological – they're personal too, touching on tradition, culture, and what it means to be faithful in a changing world. 

So, what happens when the drive for gender equality meets the weight of sacred tradition? 

GUESTS:

• Pastor Sue Westhorp last year was one of three women ordained for the first time into the Lutheran church. 
• Rev. Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, the youngest and first person of colour to hold the office.

This episode of God Forbid was made on Gadigal land and in Naarm. 

Technical production by John Jacobs.