The Anglican Church has produced more than its share of eccentric clergy.

But Owen was not one of them. The same could be said of pompous bishops.

 But he was not pompous. He was simply Owen.

This view – expressed by author Bruce Stevens in his short Introduction – captures essentially everything written in this short biography. It is an account that is full of warmth, sympathy, appreciation, affection and friendship. It is also the story of human frailty, occasional failure, some disappointment. It is the honest story of someone whose entire life was dedicated to the Anglican Church of Australia. We learn of his enthusiasm for liturgical development, especially in the area of music at which he excelled, and his concern for deepening spirituality in clergy and laity in Australia and beyond. The biography also reflects what was happening in the Anglican Church in those times, especially the controversy over the ordination of  women to priestly orders – his part in those debates, his commitment to what he believed were God’s purposes for the church to which he dedicated his entire life. This is an honest account of a bishop remembered for his many gifts of church leadership, rich family life and innovative contributions to the life and witness of the Anglican Church of Australia.

This revealing and empathetic biography sheds considerable light on Owen’s vision of God and vocation, worship and music, personal aspirations and human frailty.   – Tom Frame

This little book is a labour of love both for Owen’s memory and for a Church that is loved by God – as the presence of fine clergy like Owen shows – but which still has a lot to learn about the spiritual integration of sexuality.  – Scott Cowdell

Bruce Stevens brings the Owen Dowling story together in a sympathetic and light-touch way. He allows the character of a man of immense warmth and humanity to shine through. And the discordant notes are there. It is harmony and discord.   – Jeffrey Driver

The Rev’d Dr Bruce A. Stevens (PhD Boston University, 1987) was ordained in the Anglican Church and is currently serving in supply ministry in the Uniting Church. He is an endorsed clinical and forensic psychologist and was the Wicking Professor of Ageing and Practical Theology at Charles Sturt University, 2015-2019. He has written twelve books and numerous refereed articles. He lives in Canberra with his wife Dr Ann Harvey.