As the second session of the Synod begins, it’s striking how little attention is given to the issue of women—not only within the Synod itself but also in church policy and in the behavior of women themselves. The exclusion of women from synodal debate is a papal decision, reaffirming their exclusion from “holy orders,” meaning Read more
During his visit to Belgium, Pope Francis was warmly received September 28 at the University of Louvain, which was celebrating its 600th anniversary. And yet, the event left a bitter aftertaste. Confronted by a group of students and faculty over “the invisibility of women” in his encyclical Laudato si’, “Christian ecofeminism,” and the role of Read more
The working document, or instrumentum laboris, for next October’s meeting of the Synod of Bishops is “taking up again” the teaching of the Second Vatican Council on the church by focusing on the missionary responsibility of all the baptized in the synodal church. That is what Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich (pictured), the relator general for next Read more
Those promoting women deacons are still hoping their dream for ordained women will come true. Their vision continues despite Pope Francis saying a very public ‘No’ to the idea as recently as last week’s CBS News interview. No way During the CBS interview, Francis said he is not open to the possibility of ordaining women Read more
There is much to ponder in the synod synthesis report, “A Synodal Church in Mission.” As I talked with my sister about the proposals, I expressed a desire to gather with women who were not in my close circle to hear their perspectives. She immediately thought of some of her friends and women in her Read more
Catholic women are demanding equality and visibility while urging the Church institution to set aside its fears about change. Leadership positions within the Church are important, a pre-International Women’s Day gathering near the Vatican said. “It’s so important that the Catholic Church be engaged in this issue, not just internally but also externally given the Read more
Women in key roles at the Vatican and Catholic universities in its close orbit have been leading an effort to raise women’s standing and visibility in church governance, creating a growing network of experts, diplomats and scholars like them around the world. “Today we still have a lot to do to promote women. There are Read more
There has been an increase in the number of women wearing veils during Mass in the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan in recent years. Before the 1970s, head coverings were required for women during Mass, just as men were required to remove their hats out of reverence for Christ. I grew up with the long veil,” Read more
Catholic women and their views on sex, divorce and patriarchy show a generational divide, a recent Australian University of Newcastle study found. Older women want reform, but younger Catholic women are more conservative. They want the rules on sex, contraception and the priesthood to remain as they are. About the study The study surveyed 17,200 Read more
The Catholic Church is open to everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community, Pope Francis affirms. The Church has a duty to accompany gay people on a personal path of spirituality, providing that accompaniment is within the framework of the Catholic Church rules, he told reporters on the plane returning to Rome from World Youth Day (WYD) Read more