Rachael,  
I couldn't agree with you more. I am a new convert from the Episcopal Church to the Catholic Church. The recent edict from Rome on the excommunication of any woman who becomes ordained and the bishop who ordains her, was a real dash of cold water on my recent conversion. I hope in the future, RCIA classes make it clearer to prospective converts to the Catholic Church, the position of women in the Church. Now the Church is calling for evangelization. I don't see how the church can evangelize in today's world given their position on women's ordination. I believe this most recent edict is having the opposite effect than it intended. 
I was content to wait for a while while the boys of the Curia got their act together after all the recent scandals, but now I am within a hairsbreadth of swimming back over the Tiber to be reunited with a flawed but at least inclusive Anglican Church.

Guest

Where does Pope Benedict really stand on the role of women in the Church? We know he opposes the ordination of women. We know that he recently excommunicated all women who have been ordained to the priesthood and all those who ordained them. He did so without the same forgiving attitude that permitted the members of the SSPX to reconcile with the Roman Catholic Church. For those who are unfamiliar with the SSPX, various members accused Pope John Paul II of being the antichrist. Hopefully, such members recanted their views before rejoining the Church.  
This is not a statement in favor of the ordination of women. Nor is it an attempt to attack the Holy Father or the Catholic Church. This is simply an examination of how Church authorities perceive women. It is time to examine the bigger picture, because there is a great need to clarify where the Church is headed with regard to the role of women in the Church.  
On the upside, Pope Benedict has spoken out against abuses of women even claiming that world peace is dependent upon defending the dignity of women. He has also spoken positively about women having an active role and a voice in the decision-making process of the Church. The question is which women will be given the opportunity to have such an influence in the Church? Will the authorities give greater value to the voices of consecrated virgins and nuns? Thus far these are the only women that have been cited in Pope Benedict’s homilies as having an influence on the Church. If the laity is also considered, will the Church only hear the voices of laywomen in traditional roles---women who bear several children and tend submissively to their husbands? Pope Benedict has personally thanked mothers. Will women who work outside of the home---doctors, politicians, professors, criminal investigators, etc. also be given a voice? We have yet to hear from Pope Benedict about these women. Hopefully, all women will be taken seriously even when their opinions don’t echo the voices of the men of the Church. All of the women above have much to offer the Church. All of them should be valued. We can thank Pope John Paul II for expressing respect and admiration for women of all walks of life most notably in his UN Letter to Women. 
Recent comments by Pope Benedict indicate that he is most appreciative of the “feminine genius” of women, words used by his predecessor Pope John Paul II. Those words elevated the status of many good qualities that have been devalued in favor of more “masculine” qualities within male-dominated societies. Both Popes have spoken out against the masculinization of women. Pope Benedict recently expressed concern about the “flattening out” of the sexes. What does this mean? The assertion that there are singular differences between the sexes beyond biological ones leaves a lot of room for interpretation. The question isn’t whether or not “feminine genius” is valuable. The real question is how the Church defines feminine genius, whether the Church acknowledges that such genius can be present in men, and if so, whether is it acceptable for men to have such traits. There seems to be a push not only to assign different traits to men and women, but to confine men and women to those standards as well.  
Before women pat themselves on the back for being more compassionate, more humble, more self-giving, and more concerned for the other, we should consider the implications of excluding men from having such “genius”. Didn’t Jesus have such traits? If we look to strictly human examples, St. Joseph is a prime example of these qualities. There are many male saints throughout history that have mastered such traits even beyond some of their female counterparts. Don’t we want men to have such traits?  
We should also carefully consider the alternative implications of excluding women from having “masculine genius”. The Vatican has been very careful not to make any recent proclamations about the masculine genius, but a few comments out there are surfacing. Women are increasingly being told not to imitate men. What does this mean? In a recent homily, the preacher to the Pontifical Household Fr. Cantalamessa said women should not be assertive. Is this where we are headed? 
What attributes do the Church assign strictly to men and strictly to women? This is a question that needs to be answered before we can determine whether or not women are being encouraged to develop all of their God-given strengths or suppress some of them lest we become too “masculine”. Furthermore, we should take into account similar implications for men. 
People often refer to Pope John Paul II’s writings to make the case for the distinct differences between men and women. But we need to get back to the question that addresses which traits are acceptable and which traits should be abandoned in order to avoid the “flattening out” of the sexes. Pope John Paul II acknowledged historical errors of judgment with regard to what is appropriately feminine in his address to the UN: 
“I cannot fail to express my admiration for those women of good will who devoted their lives to defending the dignity of womanhood by fighting for their basic social, economic, and political rights, demonstrating courageous initiative at a time when this was considered extremely inappropriate, a sign of a lack of femininity, a manifestation of exhibitionism, and even a sin!” Once again, what is appropriate feminine behavior? Are women today who demonstrate “courage initiative”, who “fight” for their rights being too assertive (a masculine trait according to Cantalamessa)? Are they acting inappropriately and overstepping their boundaries? Are they sinful?  
Let’s turn to an example in scripture---a woman in the second book of Maccabees. She was “filled with a noble spirit that stirred her womanly heart with manly courage” (2 Maccabees 7:21). Was she being too masculine? Over 2000 years ago she was heralded as “most admirable and worthy of everlasting remembrance”. How would she be viewed today by those concerned about the “blurring of the sexes”? Many Catholics may not be aware of the words and actions of this woman, because her voice is not included in the Mass readings. The passage is cut short after her first two sons have spoken---so much for being worthy of everlasting remembrance. Let her voice be heard today: "I do not know how you came into existence in my womb; it was not I who gave you the breath of life, nor was it I who set in order the elements of which each of you is composed. Therefore, since it is the Creator of the universe who shapes each man's beginning, as he brings about the origin of everything, he, in his mercy, will give you back both breath and life, because you now disregard yourselves for the sake of his law." When the youth paid no attention to him at all, the king appealed to the mother, urging her to advise her boy to save his life. After he had urged her for a long time, she went through the motions of persuading her son.  
In derision of the cruel tyrant, she leaned over close to her son and said in their native language: "Son, have pity on me, who carried you in my womb for nine months, nursed you for three years, brought you up, educated and supported you to your present age.  
I beg you, child, to look at the heavens and the earth and see all that is in them; then you will know that God did not make them out of existing things; and in the same way the human race came into existence. Do not be afraid of this executioner, but be worthy of your brothers and accept death, so that in the time of mercy I may receive you again with them."  
Hopefully, the majority of Catholics would not consider these examples as a blurring or flattening out of the sexes, but there are others who would denounce their behavior as being too masculine.  
 
Women still continue to seek equal rights, equal pay, and just treatment not only in the third world, but in developed countries including the United States. When women are outspoken about these things, they are still treated with disdain by many Catholics. They are called darned feminists and troublemakers. They lack the humility and submissiveness of good Catholic women. The word “feminist” is perceived in a negative light by many Catholics, yet Pope John Paul II used the word to describe himself. The dictionary definition of feminism does not exclude pro-life Catholics. Indeed, it upholds what the Pope John Paul has officially defended. 1 : the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes 2 : organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests 
It is time now to go beyond defending rights and changing policy. It is time for a change of heart in both men and women. It is time to start giving each other more credit for their potential to transcend cultural norms. By the grace of God, all men and women can do much to “aid humanity in not failing”. There is no double standard when it comes to doing the will of God. There is only one standard by which all humans should live: Jesus Christ. For in Christ, there is neither male, nor female.

Guest

Reply to Anonymous

As a former Anglican, I have experienced the ministry of women there. It was warm and affirming. I just don't understand why the Catholic Church has such a problem with it.  
I brought it up during my RCIA classes, but none could adequately address my question on this issue. They just said the church moves slowly on these things...maybe someday. Well, this is misrepresenting what the Pope and the Magisterium really thinks about women's role in the Church. Now the priest is talking a lot about evangelization. I just can't do it. I can't evangelize against my own sex.

Guest

Reply to Anonymous

Dear Pam, 
 
I cannot evangelize againt my own sex, either. This has been a growing spiritual struggle for me as I see a growing trend toward radical traditionalism. While I do not advocate for the ordination of women, I do see a definite need to start giving women more credit for their strengths beyond traditional roles. 
 
I have encountered an evasiveness on the topic of women in the Church in general. I think many men are fearful of giving women too much ground. As a matter of fact, it seems that there is a growing trend to revert back to the good old days when women knew their place and men had the upper hand. 
 
The glowing compliments about the \"feminine genius\" only highlight some of the traits of women. The implication is that other traits generally associated with men are not appropriate for women. My point is that virtues, strengths, etc. should be encouraged in everyone regardless of their gender. There should be less concern about the blurring of the genders and more concern about drawing upon individual strengths in order to work together. 
 
My guess is that we agree on that point. 
 
Women cannot truly have a voice if we are not given credibility. Several encounters with priests have revealed to me that there are still derogatory and disturbing attitudes about women that go beyond the issue of ordination. Women are less transcendant than men, less energetic-willed, less capable of abstract thought and objectivity, etc. Worse yet are the views about our wifely duties. I had an encounter in the confessional that made me wonder if I was being lectured by a pimp rather than a priest. The authorities, including the Bishop, didn\'t take these things seriously. They won\'t until they start seeing women as equals.  
 
I prefer to focus on this underlying problem, rather than issue of the ordination of women in the Church. Those who advocate for the ordination of women have already been excommunicated in the minds of many Catholics. Their voices will not even be considered.  
 
I\'m still trying to abide by the teachings of the Church in the hopes that I can help change negative attitudes toward non-traditional women in the Church.

Guest

It's Harder for Cradle Catholics

Since I grew up in the Protestant tradition and was an Anglican all through the storm and uproar over women priests there, I can appreciate bbc's standing by the tradition of men only in the priesthood. The sad thing about men only is that fewer and fewer men are being called and while there may be a slight uptick the trend is downward. I also have a background in Eastern thought as well and feel that unless the feminine is valued as much as the masculine there is an imbalance. The most moving experience of my life was a Mass con-celebrated with both a male and female priest at the altar.  
There was a completeness that I hadn't experienced before in Male only settings of the Mass. Now living in a rural area we may soon be without any priest at all as vocations here are dropping and the priest here are old and will retire soon. I suppose they will bring in an outsourced male priest from Africa or South America. Its a good way for them to get a green card. 
But can you understand them when they celebrate and preach?

Guest

It's Harder for Cradle Catholics

Dear Pam, 
 
This statement of yours struck a chord with me: "The most moving experience of my life was a Mass con-celebrated with both a male and female priest at the altar." 
 
I've never seen a female priest in the Catholic Church, but I can understand why some women would want to become priests. On Holy Thursday, I had the privilege of lectoring. For the first time ever I read aloud the words of Paul to the Corinthians describing the Last Supper, the words the priest says at the consecration, "The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." 
 
If just reading those powerful words aloud sent chills up my spine, I cannot imagine what it is like to actually consecrate the host.  
 
Providing the Eucharist is the most important duty of ordained priests. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Mass. It is the food that keeps the Church alive and fills us with the Holy Spirit. Anyone can preach, but there are only a privileged few who can consecrate the host.  
 
The sad thing is that many priests forget that it is a privilege that comes from God. I sat and listened to one priest boast in his homily that he was the only one in the room who could confect the host. He said it as if he had somehow mastered a magic trick.  
 
The decline in the priesthood in the US certainly is a crisis, but I consider the priests from other nations a blessing. It would be nice to hear them more clearly, but I'd rather strain to hear through their accents, than strain to block out the horrible things I've heard from prideful, judgmental, and corrupt priests.  
 
Thanks for another good post.

Guest

Sexism and racism within the church

Women think they got problems? They are in a similar boat as non-whites. The Papal Bulls established the framework of Western concept regarding 
non-white civilizations. Pope Urban II sent out his edict in 1095, Papal Bull Terra Nullius, land of no consequences, empty of human habitation belonging to no one. The inhabitants were deemed subhuman and not civilized by their standards; thus had no nation to recognize as similar to theirs. Murdering them would not be a sin for they were no more than animals. 
 
Pope Alexander VI issued Papal Bull Inter Caetera in 1493, the Doctrine of Conquest. 
This justified waging war on all non-Christians; a jure belli, a just war blessed by God,a jihad/crusade of which gave legitimacy of Christian domination over pagans, sanctifying enslavement, and dispossession of property.  
 
It wasn\'t until 29 May 1537 when Pope Paul III wrote his Papal Bull Sublimus Dei, that 
he declared \"indians\" and all other people later discovered by Christians were truly men 
and real humans.  
 
The damge was already done and what preceded Sublimus Dei edict already gave rise to the dogma of Manifest Destiny. Today, it is still practiced by the European countries and the Anglo/US societies in the world. 
 
Christianity is a spin off of the Jewish religion and much of the mores is imbued with it. I haven\'t heard of a female rabbi, either. Granted change is slow and the mentality moves slower. Hopefully we will see the changes for the better.

Guest

Sexism and racism within the church

Dear Tane, 
 
You are correct in pointing out that there is a link between sexism and racism: they are both forms of discrimination. The same can be said of discrimination based on disability, age, social status, etc. 
 
However, as you pointed out almost 500 years ago in 1537, racism within the Church was abolished. Men of all races can now hold the floor every time they give a homily. There is no Q & A during Mass. No one can question or object to the priest's comments. It is considered disrespectful to do so. If, in rare circumstances, a woman is able to address parishioners during Mass, her comments must first be approved by the pastor. Therefore she can only speak with the approval of a man. 
 
Women can teach in the schools and in RCIA, but they must first be approved by the pastor. If they contradict the pastor in any way they are subject to termination. Essentially, they are silenced. 
 
The push for women in the priesthood is a result of such silencing and such lack of respect for their views. 
 
They are blamed for the problems of the Church. A published priest who was featured on EWTN publically announced that the crisis in the priesthood is due to those "damned feminists." 
 
The Church praises traditional women. Prayerful, submissive, child-bearing, servile women are praised. However, women who overstep their boundaries and assert themselves are silenced. Assertiveness is only valued in men as Fr. Cantalamessa, the preacher to the Pontifical Household pointed out in a recent homily.  
 
Sexism in the Church still persists and is intensifying under the papacy of Pope Benedict.  
 
There is a crackdown on non-traditional women. Not just on female priests and those who ordain them, but on those who dare advocate for women in the priesthood. 
 
Sr. Louis Lears was recently caught advocating for the ordination of women. She was publicly denounced internationally because she wouldn't recant her views. She can no longer receive any sacraments or worship publicly. She has been silenced. 
 
Parishioners who were baptized by a "feminist" formula were also effectively excommunicated when their baptisms were nullified. What is a feminist baptism? Anyone baptized in the name of the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sanctifier.  
 
Now there is no question that they were acting contrary to Church teaching, but the manner in which they were treated is what concerns me and other women. 
 
Members of the SSPX, some of whom called Pope JP II the antichrist, were treated in a more forgiving manner.  
 
Bishops who housed pedophile priests and allowed them to continue their abominal acts were only given a slap on the wrist. They were not categorically excommunicated. The priests were not named publicly by the Vatican in a press release. The media had to bring them to public attention. 
 
The message is that women who strive to become priests and the Bishops who support them are more dangerous than pedophile priests and the Bishops who housed them.  
 
Women are more dangerous than pedophiles in the Catholic Church. 
 
God help us!

Guest

Too Bad!

It is too bad Catholics don't believe in reincarnation. We, as women in the Catholic church can't even dream as Hindu women can that someday we will have a penis-the requirement in society for making decisions about anything. This appendage is apparently necessary in the Catholic church to have any decision-making power at all. Maybe in purgatory we will be awarded one if we are good and obey the all the laws handed down to us by men.

Guest

Too Bad!

Dear Pam, 
 
Let's not give Freud too much credit. We don't need to dream about having a penis---though I know you were being facetious. We don't need to dream about getting another chance in reincarnation.  
 
We need to hope and pray that we will be heard in our lifetimes. "Hope does not disappoint". Somehow, if we continue to trust in Christ, we can make a dent in the hardened hearts of men. It may feel like we are getting nowhere, but "God's power is made perfect in weakness". Right now we who are lowly in the eyes of men can succomb to bitterness, or we can welcome God's power to work within us.  
 
I pray we can persevere and fight the good fight for the sake of all of humanity. 
 
Your sister in Christ.

Guest

Too Bad!

Yes, of course I was being facetious, but its just a living shame we aren't even supposed to discuss this taboo subject. I just wish there was a way to reach these men and have them imagine what it would be like if the shoe was on the other foot. In other words, imagine a world where everything was opposite and only women could be priests and only women ran the show in Rome. Imagine a church where all the laws were made by women. What would this church look like? The pope would be female and ride around in a popemobile. If a man dared to get ordained in an illegal, "fake" ordination he and the woman who ordained him would automatically excommunicate themselves. How would ABP Burke feel if he had never been allowed to become a priest and was told that his vocation was an unnatural desire for power? All the pronouns in the bible would be she. When you cross yourself in this imaginary reversed world, you would say, "In the name of the mother, daughter, and holy spirit." How would men feel if everything were totally feminine and the masculine were completely suppressed. The only people at the altar could be women. Men would not be allowed. Of course this sounds funny and ridiculous but as it is said in the Bible, "In Christ there is no male nor female. Both sexes should be allowed to share in the wonderful ministry of the Real Presence of being able to pronounce the words that change the very substance of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. Of course Mary was the first priest to do this. She was the first human being to turn bread and wine into Jesus Christ! 
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Guest