It was the first book to document and analyse the ordination debate and how it occupied church synods, ecclesiastical tribunals, and civil courts, as well as making media headlines.

[3] One of the book's editors, Elaine Lindsay, is praised personally for her introductory chapter which honours the late Patricia Brennan, the first president of MOW).

The academics, historians and theologians that contributed to the volume include Anne O'Brien, Peter Sherlock, David Hilliard, Stuart Piggin, Katharine Massam, Dorothy Lee, and Heather Thomson.

Other contributors include Janet Nelson, Anglican priests Elizabeth J. Smith and Peta Sherlock, internationally recognised author and commentator the Very Reverend Dr Jane Shaw, journalist Muriel Porter and religion producer and broadcaster Rachael Kohn.

[12] Both editors, Lindsay and Scarfe were interviewed by Kohn on an episode of ABC Radio National program The Spirit of Things shortly after the book was published.