Yesterday, Pope Francis indicated that the Vatican study commission on the history of women deacons has been unable to reach consensus, particularly on whether women deacons were sacramentally ordained. It is not clear if the commission is still operating, or as the Pope suggested, individual members are studying on their own for further discussion together.
While this is not a definitive "no," it is painfully absurd that the Vatican needs "further study" on women's full equality in the Church.
We must not allow our attempts to study the past prevent us from moving where the Spirit calls us today: to be a Church with doors open to the fullness of women's gifts and vocations.
An abundance of evidence shows that for centuries, women have served in the tradition of Phoebe the deacon (Rm 16:1), and our parishes and communities are blessed by their gifts. Women are called to serve their communities as deacons and priests. Recognizing the ministerial gifts and vocations of women is not optional.
This Sunday (May 12) marks
Vocations Sunday, the day that the institutional Church, above all, prays for men to hear and respond to their call to the diaconate, priesthood, or religious life.
While the Vatican takes its time to study and pray over women's roles, you can take action.
Please join one of the many witnesses planned across the U.S. and U.K., use social media to raise your voice, and make a donation to WOC. Your support and activism are critical to our uncompromising movement for women's ordination and equality.
Together, we can break the silence, break down "closed doors," and break bread.
