[Telegraph Australia] The Rev Lynn Arnold, who was Labor premier from September 1992 to December 1993, was one of seven deacons ordained to the Order of Priests at a ceremony at St Peter’s Cathedral on Saturday.

Mr Arnold can now authorise baptism, be solely responsible for Holy Communion, pronounce Absolution (God’s forgiveness after confession) and give the blessing.

Priests may be placed in charge of parishes or can do other forms of ministry, such as chaplaincy.

Mr Arnold, 65, who will continue his role with the “Faith in the Public Square” project at St Peter’s Cathedral, said he felt the same sense of awe as when he was ordained as a deacon last year.

“This has been no light decision but its follow-on will be no less easy,’’ he said.

“My vision, or what I feel I am being called to, is to help the church articulate the call of Christ for a world where the hungry are fed, the homeless sheltered, the sick and the prisoners visited and the stranger at the gate welcomed.’’

In early 2012 he left his job as chief executive of Anglicare because he felt the call to the next phase of his life and enrolled in theological studies.

“I want to be a part of conveying a message that nothing can be more relevant to this life than a faith that understands eternity,’’ Mr Arnold said.