5 minutes with Elizabeth

Tell us a little about you

I’m a playwright, theologian, educator and all-round creative type. I love all things communication - my favourite things include writing, speaking to groups, listening to lectures and podcasts, and enjoying amazing televisual and cinematic storytelling.

Throughout my working life, I’ve been fortunate to gain experience in some diverse fields including journalism, human rights advocacy, theatre, counselling, adult education and business. A highlight has been 17 years as CEO of Canberra-based drama school Perform Australia, which I co-founded with my actor-director husband, James Scott.

As a playwright, I’ve had plays produced in Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane. I write about all kinds of topics for the stage, from history to modern life, both drama and comedy. Themes that keep popping up in my work include gender relations and women’s issues, seeking and facing the truth, and hope.

In terms of ministry, I’ve always been involved in a hands-on way within my local church, whether that’s in a teaching capacity, evangelism, sitting and listening to people, or prayer. For some years now, I’ve been involved in the Anglican Church in Canberra. I’ve also been connected to a number of other denominations and parachurch organisations over the years, depending on where we’ve been living, which means I have a very ecumenical outlook. I love having a good natter with people of different theological and denominational traditions, just to hear what they think – I’m an intensely curious person, and conscious there is always something to learn from others in the body of Christ.

During 2025-2026, I’m completing a Masters in Theology at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland – but I’ll be back in Australia soon enough! I am also writing some theological material for publication in the meantime.

I’m a great lover of dogs and have a Pomeranian called Daisy. Needless to say, I would have many more dogs, were it only practical! I am also mother to three grown-up children, who are all out in the world doing interesting things. (Note: although I’ve put this information at the end, it doesn’t mean it’s the least important!)

Do you have a favourite Bible passage? If so, what is it and why?

My favourite passage is Isaiah 40. Throughout the poetic, prophetic book of Isaiah we hear these great, sweeping statements from God declaring his power and majesty, and oftentimes judgement – but in Isaiah 40, there comes an intimate message of comfort to God’s people: sin has been paid for, and the tough time is over – prepare the way for the Lord, he’s on his way! He’s going to tend his flock like a shepherd; he’ll gather them close to his heart, and he’ll transform them. And if that’s not the gospel, what is? This is the message that’s woven throughout the scriptures, holding them together. Isaiah 40 is also one of the passages Mark quotes in his first chapter in his gospel, announcing the coming of Christ as the one who brings these things together – beautiful.

How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?

I aim to start the day well, with prayer, on my own. But I know that’s a luxury for many women. I couldn’t always do this – when I was in the midst of child-rearing, it was vastly more difficult! When kids fly the nest, things settle down and some time returns to you. Isn’t it wonderful, though, that God hears and honours all our prayers? – those on the run, those that are frantic, those that are a moment of thanks offered for a small mercy.

I accompany my morning prayer time with some scripture reading, usually a chapter at a time. When I’m feeling stressed, or I just need to think things through, I also like to walk on my own – and that’s a good time to talk things out with God.

In recent years, I’ve also rediscovered the eucharist as something that fixes my eyes on Jesus. When you can find something fresh and new in old, familiar words, it’s wonderful.

What would you like the next generation of Christian women to know?

Young women today seem quite overwhelmed. I see a lot of younger women worried about making the “right” choice, doing the “right” thing and not the “wrong” thing, among all the options on the table. But sometimes there isn’t a specific right or wrong choice. In essence, it’s not our destination but our direction that’s important.

We don’t know where we’re going to end up, so let’s worry about that less – and instead ask ourselves, are our hearts inclined in the right direction? Are we turned toward God in our time of need, as well as in our time of joy? Yes, we will make mistakes (and sometimes big ones) but what is important is turning again and again towards God – that’s the right direction. We must continually reorient life towards Jesus, listening for the Spirit, and learning what it means to be held by the Father.

What’s one thing that you love about your local church?

I love those grand saints who have been faithful for decades. They always have stories to tell about some adventure they once had, or some bungle, or something they’ve learned. They ask how I am. They ask if they can pray for me. And I’m privileged to call them my friends. I have learned so much from people twenty, thirty and even forty years older than me in my congregation.

What did you learn about God during a time in your life that you found hard?

One can’t get through life unscathed... I think one thing I have learned is that suffering is real and painful, and visceral – so let’s not minimise it. I’ve had times where I just didn’t know if I would have the strength to get through to the other side. In this, I’ve learned that God, above all others, can take my emotion – my desperation, my wails, my anguish, and there is no need for containment. To deeply lament is biblical – just look at the psalms, or the book of Lamentations itself. But equally, I’ve learned that I can, in those times, claim a quiet faith, confident that God will act and be present with me in the midst of trouble; His mercies are new every morning.

What are you passionate about?

There’s a massive sign at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland that says that all are welcome there who are interested in “the pursuit of truth and the service of others”. If we were all passionate about those two things, how the world would change! Writing is a great passion of mine. I think ultimately, every time I write, whether it’s a play, an article, or a sermon, I’m fuelled by both those things: truth and service. There’s something to say and something to do.

What do you enjoy doing when you rest?

I am not a great rest-er, and it’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about, actually! Like most women, the mental load has been constant for most of my adult life. However, I love a great movie or TV series, anything with a good story that will help me unwind. Some Christians are down on entertainment, but I think it can be a God- given gift for women! Nothing like a good laugh or a moving story that puts you back in touch with your emotions, especially when you’ve been feeling exhausted or numb. I also love long walks, looking to the trees and hills in my hometown of Canberra, or visiting the beach in my adopted home of Aberdeen, UK. I am not a particularly outdoorsy person, in terms of sports, but I always find the natural world refreshing. I also do a little amateur photography when I can.