Roman Catholic Women Priests Participate in Conversations with Catholic Women’s Council and Meet Women Synodal Delegates

On October 9th Roman Catholic Women Priests were invited by the leaders of the Catholic Women’s Council to participate in their international conference held at  International Delle Donna Via delle Lungara 19 in Rome.

Three women delegates from the Synod of Synodality shared with us their experiences. Fifty-four women are voting members at this historic meeting.They said that it was a positive experience citing they met at round tables and felt like they were being heard by the bishops in the discussions. 

 From their perspective, the important question was what are the practical steps the Church can take now to grow in unity, communion and outreach.

After the Synodal delegates left, the women broke into small groups and discussed what were the obstacles to inclusion and what steps could be taken to promote women’s baptismal equality. Mary Theresa and I shared our responses that included the following:

An obstacle is the Misinterpretation of scripture. 

Jesus chose only 12 disciples. Women and men  were disciples of Jesus. and Mary of Magdala is considered apostle the to the apostles 

Obstacle - the Structure of the church and How decisions are made. The structure Stops women from expressing their ideas or their ideas do not go very far.

Obstacle - Attitudes of both Men and women that women are not worthy of ordination. Where  Women’s vocation to priesthood is not considered authentic. 

Second and third question

Bring women into committees and councils

Promote dialogues between people who think differently.

See Women in the sanctuary preaching homilies - as leaders in the parishes.

Support women issues around the world.

Promote a theology of a non gendered God. Use words like Great Spirit or Holy Mystery so that the great spirit is not only male. 

Understand that we are born a blessing and not sinful.

Recognize that women’s bodies are holy and Revisit scripture that denigrates women.

 In order to achieve the full equality of women, the Church must open all ordained ministries to women and all genders.