This book explores the increasing domination of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, which is the largest, richest, most powerful, and most conservative, diocese in Australia - and arguably the most conservative in worldwide Anglicanism. It is led by a hardline, uncompromising and well-organised male clerical elite who are determined to impose their version of Christianity on the Anglican Church both in Australia and internationally. Most explicitly, the Sydney Diocense is increasingly threatening a schism or split with the Church Of England over the ordination of gay clergy and aligning itself with conservative African dioceses in moral debates. This has serious ramifications for all Anglicans and for wider Australian society.

Sydney Anglicans, always ultra-conservative in terms of liturgy, theology and personal morality, have increasingly modelled themselves on sixteenth century English Puritanism. Over the past few decades, they have added radical congregationalism to the mix. They have altered church services, challenged church order, and relentlessly opposed all attempts to ordain women as priests, let alone bishops. Muriel Porter unpacks how Australia's largest and, until recently, richest diocese developed its ideological fervour, and explores the impact it is having both in Australia and the Anglican Communion.

Sydney Anglicans, always ultra-conservative in terms of liturgy, theology and personal morality, have increasingly modelled themselves on sixteenth century English Puritanism. Over the past few decades, they have added radical congregationalism to the mix. They have altered church services, challenged church order, and relentlessly opposed all attempts to ordain women as priests, let alone bishops. Muriel Porter unpacks how Australia's largest and, until recently, richest diocese developed its ideological fervour, and explores the impact it is having both in Australia and the Anglican Communion.