In 1990 Penny Jamieson was consecrated Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Dunedin, becoming the first woman in the world to head a diocese in her denomination, although one woman was a suffragan bishop in the USA. English by birth, she had graduated in linguistics from the University of Edinburgh before marrying a New Zealander and moving with him to Wellington. There she worked with the Wellington Inner City Mission while writing her doctoral thesis on the experiences of Tokelauan children learning English as their second language. During this time she developed a vocation to the priesthood, and in 1985 was ordained and appointed to a Wellington parish. Five years later she was elected by her peers to the see of Dunedin.

The challenge of being a woman in a traditionally male structure led Penny Jamieson to analyse the fundamental problems of the exercise of power in a society and organisation which seeks to foster freedom and faith. In spite of some turmoil, she shared her insights both in speech and writing, looking beyond the institutional trappings and the issues of the moment to the implications of the radical changes of the twentieth century. She emphasised the vital importance of reflective contemplation, the significance of community, and the need to be true to oneself. Her integrity and spirituality supported and inspired others to follow their vocations to service.