Reverend Dorothy McRae-McMahon further papers, ca. 1964-1996

MLMSS 8154

fonds

ca. 1964-1995

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Clippings, Photographs

127871

0.16 metres of textual material (1 box)

Dorothy McRae-McMahon was born in Zeehan, Tasmania in 1934 then spent her high school years in Ballarat, Victoria. She married Barrie McMahon in 1956, with whom she has four children. When Barrie was transferred to Sydney in 1964 Dorothy became involved with the peace movement and joined the Labor Party.

Dorothy started training for the ministry part-time in 1976 while also working part-time with the Ecumenical Council. Her first and only parish (from 1982) was the Pitt Street Uniting Church in Sydney. She gained prominence during the late 1980s for her stand against the right wing Australian National Action and their attacks on the Pitt Street Uniting Church. Sydney and its congregation. Following this role she applied to become National Director for Mission in 1992.

In 1987 Dorothy decided on her sexuality as a lesbian and ended her marriage. She made her sexuality public in 1997.

Dorothy has been awarded the Jubilee Medal from Queen for work with women in NSW (1977), Australian Government Peace Award (1986), The Australian Human Rights Medal (1988), and holds an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Macquarie University (1992).

Reference:
Library correspondence file
Compiled from the collection

Folder 1
Papers and correspondence relating to issues of racism, treatment of Aborigines, violence, and participation in the Gulf War. Includes colour photographs of racist graffiti in 1989 taken by Michael Powell, 1986-1991

Folder 2
Papers, services, reports, and essays predominantly by Dorothy McRae-McMahon on the Uniting Church, the Church and social issues, feminist theology, contemporary cultures, mental health, etc., ca. 1987-1996

Folder 3
Published articles by Dorothy McRae-McMahon and book chapter by Samantha Trenoweth, 1987-1995

Folder 4
Papers, correspondence on issues relating to the Uniting Church Pitt Street, including lectures, Parish members. ordination, newsletters, reports, etc. Includes material relating to a 1990 Covenant Service for the blessing ceremony of a homosexual relationship, ca. 1982-1995

Folder 5
Newspaper clippings, photographs, correspondence, and invitations, 1964-1993

Copyright status:: In copyright - This collection has multiple rights owners
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Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Information upgraded as part of the Manuscripts Unprocessed eRecords Project 2011-2012