One of the Clarence Valley’s best known First Nations leaders has been made an honorary Canon of Christ Church Anglican Cathedral Grafton.

The Reverend Aunty Lenore Parker is a much-loved Elder of the Yaegl people of the Northern Rivers.

She is a lifetime member of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council (NATSIAC), and has made a significant contribution to the life of the national church.

Her installation was part of a special service in the Cathedral on Sunday July 7 which was a local highlight of NAIDOC Week.

Dr Murray Harvey, Bishop of Grafton, admitted her as an honorary canon of the Cathedral to assist the Dean of the Cathedral, the Very Rev. Naomi Cooke, with pastoral and missional work.

“Aunty Lenore is held in deep respect by the Clarence Valley community as well as within the Diocesan community and the wider North Coast,” Dr Harvey said.

“We give thanks for her ongoing ministry amongst us, particularly her leadership and wisdom as we journey towards reconciliation together.”

“The special service featured ecumenical partners in Aboriginal ministry as well as Anglican clergy from throughout Grafton Diocese,” Dean Naomi added.

“Many travelled from afar to join us.”

The role of Cathedral Canon is a senior one within the Anglican Church involving both clergy and lay people.

They have particular responsibility for activities within the Cathedral and the Diocese.

Aunty Lenore is a highly respected First Nations leader within the Clarence Valley and beyond.

She has been extremely active in both her lay and clergy roles for many years.

Aunty Lenore’s appointment is in recognition of her previous work and an encouragement for First Nations leadership (men and women).

This article appeared in the  Clarence Valley Independent, 17 July 2024.