Latest News and Upcoming Events

February News & Events with WOC

"We pray for all those who have suffered in our Church, especially survivors of sexual abuse by clergy. We believe nothing less than radical transformation of the oppressive structures that entrench clericalism and patriarchy will heal the wounds of the People of God. We know justice is possible with the Spirit of Wisdom who empowers courageous, prophetic people to meet the challenges of our time.

We can be those people. We are those people." - Women's Ordination Conference

12 U.S. Catholic Organizations Release Statement ahead of Bishops' Summit on Abuse

As the Vatican's summit on sexual abuse of children by Catholic clergy gets underway, leaders of 12 U.S. Catholic reform organizations have issued their advice to the bishops who will participate. In a letter sent to Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, one of four organizers of the meeting, the leaders acknowledged the "pain and disappointment" the abuse and cover up have caused for Catholics, and called on the bishops "to truly address globally what is broken, restore the trust of Catholics and give comfort and justice to those who have survived abuse." Read the statement here .

WOC at the U.N. this March

During the 63rd session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) meetings at the United Nations, WOC is co-sponsoring a parallel event on the Role of the Holy See at the CSW meetings.

March 14th, 10:30-Noon, at the U.N. Church Center (777 UN Plaza - Second Floor).

The conversation will continue with a second event at 2pm: "Catholics for Human Rights: Empowering Survivor-Led Justice" at the Community Church of NY (40 E 35th Street).

Catholics Banding Together

On February 23, 2019, as the meeting in Rome about clergy sexual abuse enters its last day, we invite you to wear a blue armband to the vigil Mass at your parish or faith community to prayerfully call for the inclusion and equitable representation of survivors of sexual abuse and their families; lay people, especially women; groups and experts who work for survivor justice; and women theologians, in these meetings and all conversations about reform, justice, and healing.

Post a photo of you wearing your armband and use #CatholicsBandingTogether or email your photo to woc@womensordination.org and we'll post it for you!

Why blue armbands? Watch the video and print out this card to hand out.

This initiative is a project of the NY Catholic Worker, Call To Action, FutureChurch and WOC. We are "banding together" to bear witness against a clerical system that continues to marginalize those who have been abused, harmed and silenced. We stand in solidarity with survivors and their families, and join all those working for transparency, justice and wholeness in our Church and world.

(Re)Imagine Catholic Vocation Conference

The (Re)imagining Catholic Vocation Conference at Union Theological Seminary, March 29th & 30th will create space for young Catholics to explore and (re)imagine how they might serve - and challenge - their church and world.

This conference is organized by WOC Board member and Union Student, Abby Rampone.

Registration is free and closes March 10th.

Click here for more information and to register.

Thanks to our WOC Intern, Alyssa!

"As the Outreach Intern for the Women's Ordination Conference (WOC) these past three months, I was tasked with developing the "Activist Toolkit for Today," a collection of actions and resources to advocate for women's ordination. I was able to use my background in grassroots organizing and writing, while being challenged to learn new skills in editing and digital design. It was a rewarding experience that allowed me to become more familiar with WOC's resources and prepared me even more for my future as an advocate for Catholic women's equality.

It is so fulfilling to know that the "Activist Toolkit for Today" will invite more people into community with WOC and with each other.

I want to thank WOC for my internship experience, for trusting me to bring their toolkit vision to life, and encouraging me to lean into discomfort as I learned. I am excited to witness the impact the "Activist Toolkit for Today" will have in the years to come!" Thanks, Alyssa!

#OvercomingSilence

More than half of Catholics are women.

However, decisions that affect all Catholics are made only by men. If we continue making one-sided decisions, we put the relevance and longevity of the Catholic Church at risk.

We need more voices to speak for our faith. Let's start with voices representing half the Catholic Church. Add your voice!