On Sunday we received the sad news that Professor Elaine Wainwright had died on the previous Friday.
Elaine grew up in Queensland and committed herself to Christian service in becoming a Sister of Mercy.
For several decades she was the key biblical scholar, particularly in gospel studies, in the Catholic Church in south-east Queensland. But her contribution was much wider than that – both nationally and internationally. She was indeed a noted international biblical scholar .
As well as being a key Catholic lecturer in biblical studies at the ecumenical Brisbane College of Theology, she was subsequently appointed as Professor of Theology at Auckland University in New Zealand.
She also lived a lifetime commitment, in particular, to women’s advancement both within and beyond the Church. Her feminism was given both scholarly and practical expression.
As regards her own person, she was such good company. She brought a positive, humble and perceptive presence to many, many encounters throughout her life. Her humour, her patience and her fount of knowledge were deeply appreciated by those who knew her.
I had the privilege of being a lecturing colleague during part of her years of positive contribution in Brisbane.
Elaine’s passing is a great loss. We thank God for what she brought to the lives of all who knew her.
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